Andrew Chatora

3 weeks ago | thisisafrica.me | Andrew Chatora

Like everyone else, I am deeply saddened by the passing on of Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, a colossal figure and scholar in decolonial thought, literature, and activism. One of Africa and Kenya’s most celebrated author Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o died last week, aged 87. The highly regarded writer published his first novel; Weep Not Childin 1964. He began writing in English, later switching to write primarily in Gikuyu.

3 weeks ago | thestandard.co.zw | Nqobani Ndlovu |Lawrence Raven Maphosa |Fred Zindi |Andrew Chatora

South Africa-based rapper Mlue Jay has teamed up with RayKaz for their new track, Can't Get, now available on all digital platforms. This high-energy trap/rap anthem is a confident celebration of originality, lyrical dominance, and street-smart swagger, all delivered in a blend of Zulu, English, and township slang. Produced by KlyveBeats, the song features a bounce-heavy, "bratty" beat that amplifies the track's gritty message: not everyone can do what Mlue Jay does.

3 weeks ago | thestandard.co.zw | Andrew Chatora

Behold, a great mountain has fallen! A titan of African Literature, Ngugi wa Thiong'o has passed on. A pioneering writer who told the African story relentlessly, he critiqued colonialism and the excesses of post-independence governments, with wild abandon. The inimitable Ngugi, go well, son of the soil. Like everyone else, I am deeply saddened by the passing on of Ngugi wa Thiong'o, a colossal figure and scholar in decolonial thought, literature, and activism.

Jan 5, 2025 | thestandard.co.zw | Miriam Mangwaya |Nqobani Ndlovu |Moses Mugugunyeki |Andrew Chatora

Sofar Sounds Harare wrapped up its 16th edition with a show at the new Vanilla Moon on December 21, featuring teenage Afro-traditional outfit Ukama Band, guitarist and composer Matt Greenwood who performed with pianist Nick Nare and multi-instrumentalist Othnell Mangoma Moyo. Afro-traditional folk artist Tendex made a return for the second time, having performed at the 13th edition hosted at Prince Edward High School in June last year.

Dec 18, 2024 | thisisafrica.me | Andrew Chatora

Samantha Rumbidzai Vazhure’s latest offering, Weeping Tomato, is a composite four part novella, beginning with the Prologue, then the Weeping Tomato proper, through to the Mudavose’s Return section and the blistering epilogue. Weeping Tomato offers a blend of magical realism tinged with contemporary AI parlance lexicon and the science fiction genre. The prologue uses an elaborate language that estimates painting.