Rhymes and Artistic Revolution: How the Poetry Red Carpet Awards Are Transforming Zimbabwe’s Literary Landscape

By Ngonidzashe Emmanuel Chikandiwa

 

In the heart of Zimbabwe, a creative revolution is underway, led by the visionary founder of the Poetry Red Carpet Awards, Cynthia Mapando (pictured). As a TV presenter, author of the anthology “I Need Saving,” and a renowned spoken word poet, Mapando embodies the spirit of artistic expression.

 

For years, Zimbabwe’s poetry scene has struggled to gain momentum, with limited opportunities for poets to share their work and connect with audiences. However, with the emergence of the Poetry Red Carpet Awards, there is renewed hope that this trend will be reversed. The awards’ founder envisions a global platform where Zimbabwean poets can share their work and connect with other writers and artists from around the world.

 

The journey to establishing the Poetry Red Carpet Awards is a testament to the founder’s dedication and perseverance. With a passion for event planning and poetry, she began hosting small, intimate poetry gatherings, which eventually blossomed into a vision to create a grander, more spectacular event. “I wanted to create a platform that celebrates Zimbabwean poetry and provides a space for local poets to share their work with a wider audience,” she explains.

 

For the founder, the Poetry Red Carpet Awards are more than just an event – they are a divine calling. “God inspired me to create a platform that celebrates Zimbabwean poetry,” she says, attributing her vision to a higher power. This sense of purpose drives her to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible, even in the face of challenges.

 

One of the most significant challenges faced when starting out was funding. With limited resources, the founder relied on the support of friends and family to bring her vision to life. However, as the awards gained popularity and recognition, more funding opportunities emerged. Despite this progress, she acknowledges that there is still room for growth and more funding is needed to take the awards to the next level.

 

The Poetry Red Carpet Awards are now in their fourth edition, with the next event scheduled to take place on February 28, 2025. The awards will feature poets from different regions, all of whom have submitted their works for consideration. This edition promises to be even more spectacular, with international guests set to attend and an increasing international appeal.

 

Before taking the awards to the global stage, the founder is committed to creating a solid foundation on the local scene. She hopes to establish a national movement that celebrates poetry and creative expression, hosting the awards in different cities across Zimbabwe. With her dedication, perseverance, and passion, she is poised to make a lasting impact on Zimbabwe’s literary landscape, inspiring a new generation of poets, writers, and artists to pursue their dreams and make their mark on the world.

 

The founder’s ultimate goal is to leave a lasting legacy in the literary world, inspiring more poets and writers to create authentic, impactful art. She hopes to create a legacy where poets believe in themselves and remain committed to creating quality, authentic art. Furthermore, she plans to introduce an edition of the awards specifically for children and younger generations, aiming to inspire and nurture their creative talents.

 

As the Poetry Red Carpet Awards continue to grow and evolve, they remain a testament to the power of creativity and determination. The founder’s journey, from hosting small poetry jams to creating a national movement, serves as a reminder that even the smallest spark can ignite a flame that illuminates the world.

 

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