Melanistic Magazine - Vol. 12

Spiwe Kachidza-Mapfumo

BY MERLIN UWALAKA

ARTIST PROFILE

Spiwe is an author and storyteller from Zimbabwe, currently living in Alberta. Her first book, Township Girls- The Cross of a generation is an anthology curating stories of women growing up in pre-independent Zimbabwe; a reality of segregation and oppression of Black people. Her new book is called “A trip to Zimbabwe with Gogo” and is inspired by the collection of African folklore stories that she would often share with her grandchildren. Spiwe, is gogo (grandmother), and the story retells her travels with her grandchildren through Zimbabwe. The book came to life as she spent time with her grandchildren during the pandemic.

Spiwe intends to connect several generations of Africans through stories which portray Blackness with dignity and pride. She intends to share stories that have the power to inspire, teach and encourage growth. Spiwe represents a generation of grandmothers passing information and messages to the future generation; empowering them to create a more inclusive future.