By Takudzwa Chikakayi
Growing up, he would construct small meaningful sentences with the rhyming words he would have learnt at school. On events and ceremonies held at pre-school, he would be at the forefront of groups reciting poems and performing for the audiences.
Gladman Tinashe Madawaenda is a Zimbabwean spoken word artist, storyteller, author and creative artist who has made remarkable waves in the country’s creative scene since his emergence in 2021.
Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, Gladman uses his art to express the stories of his people and brings to attention issues that affect them.
The University of Zimbabwe law student popularly known as, “Mwana WaGidza,” said, “My journey to becoming a spoken word artist began when I was a young boy. I was always drawn to the power of words and the way they can be used to express emotion and tell about salient issues in society.”
He was particularly inspired by the works of Zimbabwean poets such as Dambudzo Marechera, Chenjerai Hove and Clement Chihota. Continentally, his inspiration came from the works of poets such as Chinua Achebe and Wole Sonyika.
“Mwana WaGidza,” began writing at the age of 15, being helped and nurtured by his English Language and Literature teachers and his debate and public speaking mentor, subsequently, he began performing at local open mic events and competitions in schools, districts and provinces.
He quickly gained reputation as a talented and passionate storyteller and was soon performing at larger events and festivals.
Tinashe’s work is heavily influenced by the plight of Africans, particularly, Zimbabweans. He uses art and the strategic and careful crafting, use and placement of words to bring attention to issues that affect them such as inequality, mental health, abuse, poverty, corruption and violation of rights.
He also uses his work to celebrate the resilience of Zimbabweans and to highlight the beauty of the country and has performed at Ignite Youth Organisation, Moonchild District, Bring It on Northside, Harare Literature Festival and more platforms.
His poem, “The Sigh,” was featured in the Ipikai Poetry Journal December Issue. Gladman has bagged the following awards and recognitions Winner at the July 2022 Climate Friday Poetry Slam, Bring It On Northside Spoken Word 2022, 2022 People’s Choice Ignite Youth Awards Creative Arts Category, 2022 Harare Literature Festival Poetry Slam, Runner Up at Zimbabwe Human Rights Festival Poetry Slam 2021, Shoko Festival 2022 Poetry Slam and Khanyanisa Poetry Slam 2022.
He is also the outstanding page poet of the Poetry Red Carpet and has been nominated for Trendsetting Youth Awards Best Spoken Word Artist and Forty Under 40 Africa Awards Theatre and Arts Category.
Madawaenda launched his debut book titled, “The Independent Women,” this month. The book explores diverse issues on feminism, women empowerment, and toxic masculinity, issues to do with gender inequality and how society should coexist without stereotyping.
The book educates readers to appreciate people despite their position in a society full of religious principles and beliefs, stereotypes and certain set standards of moral values and socialisation.
“The escalation of gender related conflicts pushed me into writing this piece. Women on one end and men on the other, no longer respect each other’s differences prompted me to produce this text,” said Madawaenda.
The book revolves around pertinent questions such as what is an independent woman. What is her position in a stereotypical society full of certain religious principles and set standards? Does the rise of women mean the fall of men? And can men and women ever be perceived as equal in society?
“People should know that regardless of being male or female we need to respect each other as individuals, consider and acknowledge the fact that men are capable of doing some things that women cannot do while women are also capable of doing some things that men may not be able to do,” he said.
The book is aimed at providing a different view and perception in the lenses of men and women, both young and old, on the prevalent stereotypes and roles attributed to individuals or groups in gender related issues, he furthered.
Apart from, “The Independent Women,” the playwright has penned a number of prodigious pieces of work which are pregnant with meaning like Curves of A Woman, Nherera, He Screams In Silence, Dzimba Dzemabwe, The War Cry and She Screams In Silence.
Amongst the aforesaid is the piece, “He Screams in Silence,” in which Mwana WaGidza reminds society that muscular bodies and beards have nothing to do with inner strengths, thus, to eradicate the increase of male related suicides, we need to understand that men are vulnerable too and they should open up, speak out and seek help. He likens what men go through to, “deep wounds of mental gunshots.”
Gladman’s work has been described as, “honest and heartfelt,” and his performances often leave audiences pondering and wanting to hear more. He has a unique ability to connect with his audience, and his words are often filled with emotion and passion.
He has a knack for finding the right words to express his feelings, and his work often touches on topics such as love, human condition and social injustice.
Madawaenda is a man of many talents and is a powerful voice in the Zimbabwean creative scene and his work is testament to his ability of using art to bring attention to and lay out important issues and to inspire change.
Not only is he an inspiration, but he is also a reminder of the importance of using art to tell stories on issues that affect us all.
