Mbizo Chirasha interviews Chenai Rumbidzai Dunduru
MC: Who is Chenai Rumbidzai Dunduru? Where does she draw her inspiration to write and to keep on keeping on?
Rumbi Chen: A girl from Mufakose, Harare also an accountant with an interest in public health particularly health economics and health promotion. She is a passionate creative who finds her happy place in creativity and appreciates most (not all) types of art. She finds that in solitude's altitude, ideas take magnitude, while at other times, she pens ideas amidst turmoil or routine daily activities. Sometimes she finds her mind sashaying away within crowds or work, to a place of endless possibilities. On a typical day she may waltz across space, strut upon the vast earth before jiving in subterranean intricacies. She then graces the floor and promenades the pages, perhaps there is love or life in the pages! Moreover, she believes that the power of the arts is strengthened through collaboration and exchange with other disciplines, academic research, and travel itself. She also draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of women's experiences, both personal and shared. She spent most of her childhood reading rather than frisking about. Then the writing took over. She likes the abstract and over the years she has become more intentional and somewhat academic. Her work includes poetry, women’s fiction, literary fiction, non-fiction and some random awesomeness. From 2021, she has weaved her way into script writing. She also has a strong affinity for volunteering starting from her high school days.
MC: How many books have you published so far and where other spaces is your published or archived?
Rumbi Chen: I have published three books ‘Dudu Muduri’ (Shona poetry tribute to some of Zimbabwe’s creative icons including my family and friends), ‘Ndezve Meso’ (novella on drug abuse awareness) – this one is available for free download on buy-me-a-coffee, ‘Ramblings of an Old Teenager’ (women’s fiction novel). These books are available on my website and most digital platforms such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Scribd. My first publicised article was an extract from Ramblings of a Teenager in 2012 published in Zimbabwe’s Sunday Mail. Of course, over the years I tweaked some of the wording. Books in the pipeline include ‘The Storm’ (a novel touching on a various societal ills such as social exclusion of the youth), ‘Fusion of Flavours’ (literary cookbook featuring three countries), ‘Dancing With my Father’ and ‘Bazooka’ series among others. My work evolves around themes such as acculturation, identity, self-discovery, family and interpersonal dynamics, gender roles and expectations, love, career, support networks, resilience, social justice and advocacy, intersectionality, faith, existential questions, pluralism, patriarchy and cultural identity.
MC: What do you think about artistic , literary and book industry in Zimbabwe? Where do you think should be improved?
Rumbi Chen: The reading culture has been eroded significantly. I have noticed some primary school children writing books and this is wonderful, if this can be nurtured, it may reignite the reading culture. Support for literary works is on the low end especially with more people opting for audio and visuals than before. This has also been propagated by the rise of technology. As a result, artists must embrace digital skills and platforms to remain relevant in today’s digital era. For instance, audiobooks offer a convenient way to enjoy literature, making them ideal for readers seeking to enhance their habits or incorporate more books into their lives. Nevertheless, the literary industry in Zimbabwe holds immense potential for maintaining preservation of our culture while promoting growth and innovation. However, there is a need for greater support and investment in infrastructure, education, and accessibility to foster a thriving creative ecosystem especially in rural Zimbabwe.
MC: What other community engagement and other social justice interventions are you doing besides writing?
Rumbi Chen: I am into music having formed an afro fusion band called Hofi based in Mufakose, Harare. Coming from a background in public health, the band is primarily based on the socio-ecological model of health. Hofi is relevant to local communities and corporates where it focuses on enhancing competencies of individuals and societies thus enabling them to achieve their self-determined goals. Ultimately, Hofi is a band that integrates prevention and promotion programmes for mental health with a current focus on drug abuse control may help curb social exclusion and stigma. In addition, I volunteer as a research assistant in topics that relate to immigrants and currently working with a team on sexual harassment of female temporary immigrants in Australia and the Pacific. Mid 2023 I took part in digital storytelling by translating English research findings into my native language Shona, which was then filmed.
MC: Have you written any writings on Human rights, gender equity and free expression?
Rumbi Chen: Since I write women's fiction, human rights and gender equity are related themes that are often explored together. I also feature other languages to bring out that humanity in humans which encompasses the first two aspects above. In most of my books for example, ‘Ramblings of an Old Teenager’ and ‘Bazooka’ series, the protagonists advocate for their rights, challenge oppressive systems and empower readers to recognise and assert their own rights. These books promote awareness, empowerment, advocacy for human rights and gender equity and serve as a platform for social commentary on contemporary issues. Another one ‘Journey in Confusion’ which is due to be launched on 13 April 2024 is a collection of short stories based on true experiences of women who have endured various forms of domestic abuse often within the context of marriage. Another book yet to be published is ‘Ballad to Lonely Earth, an Ode to my Youth’ which is loosely based on free expression through the lens of a mosquito and a fly.
MC: How many of your writings have been published outside Zimbabwe, If so, where?
Rumbi Chen: All my writings have been self-published via a US distributor IngramSpark making them accessible internationally. However, I have collaborated with editors from Zimbabwe, India and the UK in the production process.
MC: Which African writers /international writers are your inspiration?
Rumbi Chen: I draw inspiration from a diverse range of African and international writers who have made significant contributions to literature and social justice. This question could take me several days to answer so I will list a few. My former teacher, Mr. Muusha, a prolific writer in every sense, continues to inspire and encourage me to pursue my passion, especially considering that ‘writers are often misunderstood'. William Shakespeare's ingenuity, especially evident in his plays and sonnets, has been an ongoing inspiration for me. I was thrilled when I successfully auditioned for roles during The Bard's 100th Anniversary events. T. S Elliot, Thomas Hardy, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, Chinua Achebe, Maya Angelou, Francis Muzofa, Tsitsi Dangarembga, Buchi Emecheta, Yvonne Vera, NoViolet Bulawayo, Chirikure Chirikure, Dambudzo Marechera, Chenjerai Hove, Patrick Chakaipa, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Francine Rivers, Jodi Picoult and Emily Dickinson. I have to stop now.
MC: Where do you see yourself in the next five years.
Rumbi Chen: I am excited to continue my journey in the creative realm, exploring new avenues of expression and ensuring that the Hofi band effectively conveys its message of positive change to communities. I also envision myself continuing to advocate for social change and expanding my impact through multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary artistic exchanges. I see myself writing more screenplays and securing resources to bring them to life through film production. Although I have written screenplays previously, my goal is to see them successfully filmed.
MC: How do you divide your lifetime, writing time and work time?
Rumbi Chen: I strive to create a balance between my writing, work commitments, and other personal responsibilities by prioritising high urgency deliverables and allowing rest time which may include cutting off screen time. While volunteering in 2023, I learnt about the Japanese concept of ikigai, and since then, I strive to divide my objectives into granular tasks. This approach has resulted in efficient outcomes. Notwithstanding the contingencies of life which imply I also have room for being spontaneous and agile. Sometimes technology fails us so I usually have a pen handy for jotting down ideas and tasks.
MC: What is your parting shot to your contemporaries?
Rumbi Chen: From one of my poems which looks at the story of Tererai Trent, showing that resilience pays, I say people can bury you, but not your dreams. I encourage them to stay true to their voices and use their platforms to amplify the voices of those whose stories need to be heard. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world through storytelling and advocacy. They should infuse their work with passion and purpose, embracing collaboration and innovation to propel Zimbabwe's creative landscape forward. Artists should be intentional in their work, find their strengths and capitalise those. At the same time, one should not be scared of trying out new avenues. I also urge them to stay curious, keep evolving, and remain open to collaborations that stretch their creative boundaries, while being open to criticism. Lastly, they should have a can-do mentality, in short, do not dismiss yourself. Just do it.
Chenai Faith Rumbidzai Dunduru (pen name Rumbi Chen) is an enthusiastic and keen listener with a passion for writing and most things outdoor. Growing up she enjoyed reading anything she lay hands on from their home library- from Shakespeare to the law of thermodynamics. Of course, by then she had no depth of most of the subject matter (e.g. molecular volume of chlorine etc). About a third of her work is inspired by the wisdom of the aged around her in the cultural context. The other two thirds are distributed equally to other sources. In her latest offering, Rumbi curated a poignant short story collection based on real-life experiences, championing women’s voices. From 2013 to 2023, she has volunteered as a poet, coordinator and writer for a community development trust now known as Munharaunda Environment and Climate Action (MECA). She writes mainly women’s fiction, Christianity, tradition, environmental sustainability, struggle (internal & external) and some awesome randomness. It is on struggle that she went on to form her afro fusion band, Hofi, which is premised on the socio-ecological model of health focusing on mental health. On struggle, she hopes her writing to be part of a movement that integrates prevention and promotion programs for mental health. Her work serenades and reels you in, then asks you to think about what you value and why and how you as an individual can contribute to the greater good. It also questions what we, as a people, value and celebrate. As such it is laden with music, dance and food.
