Wizzy Mangoma is more than the titles attributed to her work: Screenwriter, Dancer/Choreographer, Event Organiser (Charity and Cultural events) Model, Actress, Poet/Spoken Word Artist, Accessory/Graphic Designer and Motivational Speaker. Her poetry book, “Moment Treasures” was published in May 2010. Sadly, it was finished the day her father passed away. She got so confused as to whether to put his name (as late) in her dedication. His name is not in there. Grief is something I am going through at the moment and I can relate to what she felt, the simultaneous denial and realisation that your loved one is no longer physically present.
What first stood out to me about Wizzy when I first spoke to her, was how her inner soft and kind spirit shone through. I was so curious to know more about her, to share her words and her work and so I decided to find out more.
Wizzy grew up as a very curious child, a daydreamer and avid reader. She was always asking herself questions as to why people acted the way they did and enjoyed writing entries in her journal. Her journal entries began to evolve into poetry and as she started travelling from the 80's and going through different experiences, she carried on writing poetry, which she would often read to friends by candlelight.
It is sometimes difficult for African society and culture to take the work of creative artists seriously, particularly in terms of it being a successful way to make a living. Wizzy has never been impacted by this as her work is appreciated on a global level. She says that the only incident in which this aspect of African culture came into play, was when she was criticised by another Zimbabwean for targeting her work towards “a white audience”. However, she is simply a messenger of words, words that have touched many and her poetry speaks to anyone, regardless of gender, race etc..
While spoken word artistry was male-dominated in its inception, in recent years, there has been a surge in popular female spoken word artists and Wizzy is no exception, as she is a fighter who goes on no matter what the world thinks. On discussing the future of the Zimbabwean Creative Arts industry, Wizzy believes that there are many Zimbabwean artists out there who have so much talent. “They just need to market themselves more. These days no one does the work for anyone. You are your own product and who best can sell your product but YOURSELF. There are so many tools e.g. Facebook and if used wisely, the Zimbabwean Creative Arts industry will blossom.”
I asked Wizzy about how her creative talents shape who she is. “Dance takes me to a special place a trance where I float in light and peace. Writing soothes my soul. I go into a cave, a zone of creativity and let words flow through me, bringing a peaceful comfort and a sense of healing fulfillment. I am inspired when I inspire. I surround myself with positive people, who see light in me, people who motivate and stimulate my whole being. What we surround ourselves with, is what we become.”
Finally, I asked Wizzy what the best piece of advice she has for young women out there is. She said, “believe in yourself and don't let anyone put out the fire within. It is your birth right to dream and to have ambitions. I am passionate about seeing many women get more confident about their abilities, as well as supporting each other.”
“THE DREAM”
The poem below is one of my favourites from her book, “Moment of Treasures”. It is relatable as a poem that conjures up emotions that can arise from being in a relationship. Wizzy says she wrote it when many years ago, she woke up feeling exactly what is written. “There are times when you start a relationship with someone and the feelings are so intense that you feel this it! This is the end! You just want that person around to really pinch you and let you know its real; I am here to be with you forever.”
I woke up in the middle of the night
In a river of sweat all over
My heart beats so fast
The thought of having you in my life
A scary feeling
I tell myself it is just a dream
A dream that will perish in the mist when i really wake up
You can tell me I'm not dreaming
The truth of you in my dream
Only if a dream could talk to me awake
Of its true intrusion
Oh I am about to erupt
From dreams inner explosion
Oh I just want to scream
I have you in my dream
You can purchase “Moment Treasures” from http://www.amazon.com/Moment-Treasures-Wizzy-Mangoma/dp/1451557612/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1273549917&sr=1-1
What first stood out to me about Wizzy when I first spoke to her, was how her inner soft and kind spirit shone through. I was so curious to know more about her, to share her words and her work and so I decided to find out more.
Wizzy grew up as a very curious child, a daydreamer and avid reader. She was always asking herself questions as to why people acted the way they did and enjoyed writing entries in her journal. Her journal entries began to evolve into poetry and as she started travelling from the 80's and going through different experiences, she carried on writing poetry, which she would often read to friends by candlelight.
It is sometimes difficult for African society and culture to take the work of creative artists seriously, particularly in terms of it being a successful way to make a living. Wizzy has never been impacted by this as her work is appreciated on a global level. She says that the only incident in which this aspect of African culture came into play, was when she was criticised by another Zimbabwean for targeting her work towards “a white audience”. However, she is simply a messenger of words, words that have touched many and her poetry speaks to anyone, regardless of gender, race etc..
While spoken word artistry was male-dominated in its inception, in recent years, there has been a surge in popular female spoken word artists and Wizzy is no exception, as she is a fighter who goes on no matter what the world thinks. On discussing the future of the Zimbabwean Creative Arts industry, Wizzy believes that there are many Zimbabwean artists out there who have so much talent. “They just need to market themselves more. These days no one does the work for anyone. You are your own product and who best can sell your product but YOURSELF. There are so many tools e.g. Facebook and if used wisely, the Zimbabwean Creative Arts industry will blossom.”
I asked Wizzy about how her creative talents shape who she is. “Dance takes me to a special place a trance where I float in light and peace. Writing soothes my soul. I go into a cave, a zone of creativity and let words flow through me, bringing a peaceful comfort and a sense of healing fulfillment. I am inspired when I inspire. I surround myself with positive people, who see light in me, people who motivate and stimulate my whole being. What we surround ourselves with, is what we become.”
Finally, I asked Wizzy what the best piece of advice she has for young women out there is. She said, “believe in yourself and don't let anyone put out the fire within. It is your birth right to dream and to have ambitions. I am passionate about seeing many women get more confident about their abilities, as well as supporting each other.”
“THE DREAM”
The poem below is one of my favourites from her book, “Moment of Treasures”. It is relatable as a poem that conjures up emotions that can arise from being in a relationship. Wizzy says she wrote it when many years ago, she woke up feeling exactly what is written. “There are times when you start a relationship with someone and the feelings are so intense that you feel this it! This is the end! You just want that person around to really pinch you and let you know its real; I am here to be with you forever.”
I woke up in the middle of the night
In a river of sweat all over
My heart beats so fast
The thought of having you in my life
A scary feeling
I tell myself it is just a dream
A dream that will perish in the mist when i really wake up
You can tell me I'm not dreaming
The truth of you in my dream
Only if a dream could talk to me awake
Of its true intrusion
Oh I am about to erupt
From dreams inner explosion
Oh I just want to scream
I have you in my dream
You can purchase “Moment Treasures” from http://www.amazon.com/Moment-Treasures-Wizzy-Mangoma/dp/1451557612/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1273549917&sr=1-1
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