Malawi Celebrates World Poetry Day with Reflections on Power of Poetry

Today, March 21, marks World Poetry Day, a celebration of the beauty and power of poetry. Declared by Unesco in 1999, the day aims to support linguistic diversity through poetic expression and promote endangered languages.

In Malawi, poets are joining the global celebration, reflecting on the power of poetry to transcend speeches and slogans, especially in this election year. Renowned poet Q Malewezi emphasized the importance of poetry in uniting people through their common humanity.

                          

Award-winning poet Refilwe Ntopa from Vilipanganga Poetry Movement noted that World Poetry Day celebrates a medium that allows people to reflect on collective humanity and personal experiences. The movement hosts poetry gatherings at Kwaharaba Art Gallery in Blantyre.

The Poetry Association of Malawi (Pam) President Robert Chiwamba encouraged all poets to write poetry for peace and unity, especially with elections approaching in September. Pam has launched a funded project at Alliance Francaise de Blantyre to coincide with World Poetry Day.

Various events are being held across Malawi to celebrate World Poetry Day, including a poetry reading and panel discussion at the University of Malawi in Zomba. Veteran poet Benedicto Wokomaatani Malunga emphasized the importance of maintaining the rubrics of poetry, warning against bastardizing the art form.