Lilongwe-based poet, Martin Chrispine Juwa, is sailing wide in the sea of poetry as he looks set to launch his maiden book Drifting Smoke. The book’s release has been scheduled for 5th December, 2020 at Madsoc Theatre- Area 2 in Lilongwe.
Juwa, the Mtendere Christian Academy Head Teacher in Lumbadzi, said the book reflects upon situations of choices upon situations of love, rejection, depression, achievement, desire and loss, among others.
“The 20-poem book explores how we paint our joy, sorrow, anger, envy, doubt, pride, anxiety, guilt, grief and suffering and others.”
“I am always interested in issues that audiences will find relatable to their own experiences, because at the end of the day, a poet is there because of the audience,” Juwa said.
The 31-year-old poet, who has published countless poems in over 20 international platforms, said the book launch will be a game changer on the local scene as he gears to diverge from the monotonous way of launching books.
“The event will attract people from all walks of life. I am happy to say people I only read books about, saw on TV, heard on the radio, and many others, will be there to support me, despite myself being a new face to them. Most of them are interested in the angle I have taken as a writer. I have shown them a side about excellence and resilience they have never encountered before. That is my mark.” Juwa confirmed.
A wide selection of activities ranging from book review, poetry reading, spoken-word-performances, acoustic music performances, merchandize selling, competitions, and others, are lined up for the launch program. Juwa added that “people who will be in attendance must brace themselves for an amazing experience.” When asked about who the guest of honor will be, the poet said negotiations are still ongoing, but gave assurance that a high profiled official will grace the event.
A renowned poet; William Khalipwina Mpina, has described the book as ‘tiny drops of ice of poetry turned into an iceberg.’
“Juwa is a wave of magic in the new generation of poets. What he brings to the fore is poetry that is dotted with real life experiences drawn from personal observations. His pieces have glimpses of rare skill sewn with originality,” Mpina said.
Drifting Smoke poetry anthology was edited by Beaton Galafa, one of the writers also enjoying international publications. He is also expected to grace the book launch, something he himself is proud to partake in.
Juwa is not only a teacher and poet; he is also chief editor of 4 local magazines, a monthly contributor of articles in a UK-based The Poet Magazine, Founder and CEO of Artiscope Fellows Writing and Editing Consultancy, an online creative writing part-time teacher, and reggae musician.