By Style Reporter
Leading online tele-radio broadcaster Heart and Soul Broadcasting Services has introduced online book readings to their already rich and diverse programme line-up.
The Undeniably African Book Club is the brainchild of Rutendo “The Queen” Mutsamwira, the host and producer of Undeniably African, a Pan-African lifestyle show, which airs every Wednesday and Sunday.
According to Heart and Soul station manager Ian Venganai, the idea behind the programme is to promote a reading culture among the citizens.
“The Undeniably African Book Club is part of the station’s commitment to creating an inclusive platform for emerging and existing authors to share their work and stories through online book readings,” Venganai said.
“In addition to this, Heart and Soul realises the importance of literature in developing informed opinions and active citizenry for its listeners as they are exposed to the wealth and variety of African literature.”
In today’s programme, the Undeniably African Book Club features Township Girls — The Crossover Generation, which is an anthology — a collection of stories by 30 women relating their experiences of growing up in the few years just prior to, and post independence in Zimbabwe (late 70s- and early 80s).
Many of the contributions are “coming-of-age” stories as the writers reflect on their childhood and their awakening to, and experiences living through the changing realities on personal, social and political levels. The themes running through most of the stories include cultural encounters, experiences of race relations, liberation war and transitioning from rural to township and then suburban life.
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However, a few chose poetry as their medium to express themselves. The contributors are an eclectic group of people — from international development workers, doctors, broadcasters, to business people living in Zimbabwe and in different countries around the world.
Contributors include Farai Mpofu, co-founder of Virl Financial Services and country director of Virl Social Foundation. Mpofu is a communication, marketing and investor relations professional who has served in the insurance and banking environment for over 20 years. Among her board positions are the Microfinance Association, Women’s University in Africa, Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust, Junior Achievement Zimbabwe and St Martin’s Convent Primary School. Mpofu holds a Special Honours degree in English from the University of Zimbabwe and is an alumnus of the British Council leadership and Harvard University executive development programmes.
Mpofu serves as patron of the youth blood donors club, Pledge 25. She is married to Tham and they are blessed with three children, Sharai, Langa and Sizwe. Today Undeniably African starts at 12 noon and ends at 3pm CAT, while on Wednesday the show kicks of at 7pm, ending at 8pm CAT.
Heart and Soul Broadcasting Services livestreaming is via www.hstv.co.zw with a Facebook live broadcast on Newsday-Zimbabwe official Facebook page.
