Award winning writer and spoken word artist, Chengeto Mayowe, has launched "KuNgano NaChengeto" a storytelling platform that seeks to safeguard Zimbabwe's cultural heritage. Based on the concept of sharing a story in 90 seconds, the initiative will see Chengeto a story rooted in Zimbabwean culture from Monday to Thursday each week.
The author will not only be reading from her work but the work of other writers, on the condition that their stories are linked to Zimbabwean culture, mythology and traditions.
"The main aim of KuNgano NaChengeto is to bring back the element of storytelling. So it will be on my TikTok, WhatsApp channel, Instagram, and YouTube," shared the writer. "It is a means of honouring Zimbabwe's culture through spoken word."
In addition to "KuNgano," Chengeto will also be running the Mwedzi project this year. This will feature a spoken word performance on every month, and it is set to be infused with multiple local languages.
The writer has long been dedicated to making her work accessible, and she currently holds the record for the most translated Zimbabwean book; 16 for the children's book 'The Adventures of Nyenyedzi.'
Chengeto's publlished works include the novels; Ancient Ones: Fire in the Wind, Ngano: When Spirits Talk, Daughters of Fate Trilogy, and the poetry collections; Deja Vu, Souls of Forgotten Queens, and About Love.
As the founder of the publishing house Tales of Dzimbahwe, Chengeto's focus is on cultural representation, preservation, inclusion, and social impact. This has also driven her philanthropic efforts, which have seen her donate books to schools in underprivileged communities.
You can watch the first episode of "KuNgano NaChengeto" below: