IHRAM Writer Mbizo Chirasha speaks to Multi-talented Zimbabwean Artist Lingiwe Patience Gumbo

MC: Who is Lingiwe Patience Gumbo and what mark has she made in the Zimbabwean creative Industry?
LPG: Lingiwe Patience Gumbo is a multi talented creative artist; singer-songwriter, poet, writer and voiceover artist. So far she has made small footprints in the creative industry mainly through poetry and music which she uses as tools for awareness and entertainment at varied events. Numerous voice overs for documentaries on matters affecting humanity have also been done.

MC: You are a multi- Disciplinary artist and an arts administrator, how do you divide your time and what inspires you?
LPG: Art is part of my life and I enjoy learning from, interacting and networking with artists of all genres. I understand the need for a strong psycho-social support system for artists to nurture talent and maximize growth. My time is divided according to my availability to assist, if I can I will. If I can’t I will refer to other fellow creatives, that way I am not overwhelmed. I am inspired by my faith in God, nature, love and life experiences.

MC: You have been adjudicator for some powerful artistic interventions like Hear Me Zimbabwe, what was the experience?
LPG: I realised the enormous talent that Gweru and surrounding areas possess. It was amazing; breath taking and very entertaining. I am convinced that the music industry is in safe hands.

MC: What’s lessons have you learnt so far since you started and how would you like to improve the Zimbabwe creative arts scene?
LPG: There is need to develop more spaces which inspire creativity in communities. When a talent is discovered proper and adequate nurturing is vital for maximum growth. Artists must be knowledgeable about topics which help them appreciate their own art, and understand processes of marketing themselves through seminars and workshops. This will definitely improve the creative arts scene.

MC: How many books have you written so far, Are they published yet?
LPG: I have written close to 10books but I have published one so far. It is a poems collection of 20 titled Words of Life (2019).

MC: Do your writings carry the messages of social equity , creative justice and human freedoms , if any which one are those?
LPG: My writings focus on social equity and all aspects of life such as mental health wellness, child abuse, early marriage, drug and substance abuse, love and motivationals.

MC: What is your take on the human rights environment in Zimbabwe, do you think human freedoms are upheld in Zimbabwe?
LPG: The issue of freedom of speech and expression is tricky in Zimbabwe and this restricts an artist’s creativity.

MC: Are your songs, poetry and stories on themes of gender equity , cultural and religious tolerance, give us examples?
LPG: Yes they are and more. On the literate scene is an upcoming fiction book titled Good For Nothing based on gender equity and empowerment. It spells the plight of a girl child; discrimination, abuse and early marriage. Another is Matters of the Heart which tackles issues surrounding mental health and gender based violence. A song titled Ndine Ronda speaks against gender-based violence.

MC: Where do you see you in next five years , I mean with your writings and artistic endeavors
LPG: I envision myself having produced my second Album titled Rebirth and published at least 5 books. I have a dream of establishing a vibrant centre for arts and creativity in the Midlands Province which will become a home for artist nurturing and mentorship from level.

MC: What is your parting shot to your contemporaries?
LPG: It’s never too late to pursue your goals and dreams. It all depends on how bad you desire it. That will be seen by the efforts you put into it. So Live fully, Love deeply, Dream with your eyes open and Shine unapologetically.

Lingiwe "Miss Patience" Gumbo is a Zimbabwean based in Gweru. She is a multi talented creative; a versatile singer-songwriter, vocalist, poet, writer and voice over artist. Miss Patience is passionate about identifying, nurturing and showcasing talent and skills in the community and the world over. Her passion for coaching and mentorship inspired her to develop a personal development program for individuals and groups while incorporating art expressions. She is the Executive Director of a Creative Artists hub called Own Your Words whose objectives are to Interact, Network and Collaborate. Miss Patience is conscious about the environment, the effects of gender based violence as well as drug and substance abuse and through her poetry and music advocates for these. Miss Patience is a recording and performing artist with an 8 track album Worthy of all my praise (2017) and 8 singles to date. She is also a published author of a book, Words of Life poems anthology (2019). Her writings are found in womawords, girlchildcreativity, gourdsofconsciousness as well as online magazines which are MyAfrikaMagazine and The Wardrobe Magazine. She is inspired by her faith in God, nature, love and life experiences.