Paul Chidyausiku

Writer

Born in 1927, Paul Chidyausiku is one of the revered pioneers of the literary arts genre in Zimbabwe. Indeed, he is the epitome of excellence in the art of writing.

He wrote the first Shona play Ndakambokuyambira to be published in 1968. At the time it was published, the play was his fifth book. He was also a journalist and worked for Moto Magazine as an editor. Chidyausiku went to an Agricultural College and taught Agriculture for many years before he went back to school to train as a journalist at the London School of Journalism in England.

He worked for Mambo Press as an Editor for Moto Magazine. Chidyausiku moved on to the Literature Bureau as an Editorial Officer.

He next moved on to the Ministry of Information as Assistant Director, Branch of Foreign Services. He was later invited to join Zimbabwe Newspapers to pioneer a newspaper in Shona called Kwayedza. He was one of the first few Shona writers to be published in Zimbabwe in the 1950s.

He has had nine books published in Shona – one of which is a collection of Shona poems which won him an award, and one in English – Broken Roots. Some of his poems in English were included in anthologies like Voices from Africa published in England, A Century of Poetry in Southern Africa, an anthology in Australia, one in Namibia and two in Zimbabwe. His writings are deep-rooted in Shona Traditions as demonstrated by his reverence for an African mother.

A novelist, playwright, poet and journalist, he is known in Zimbabwe for his excellent Shona novels, plays and poetry, some of which received awards. Indeed, Paul is a pioneering figure in terms of writing. What makes him stand out is his love of writing in his language – Shona.

Over the years he has written numerous books predominantly in the Shona language like Karumekangu (1970), Longman Zimbabwe, Kuyaruka Kwomukomana (1991), Mambo Press, Gweru, Kuyaruka Kwomusikana (1991), Mambo Press, Gweru, Kuziva Mbuya Huudzwa: Kurera Nokurumura (1967), Mambo Press, Gweru amongst others.

Paul remains an influential figure in the literary arts whose writings play a pivotal role in perpetuating the Zimbabwean way of life and the role of the African woman (mother) in the family set up.

He uses the art of writing in conveying critical messages that build the home, community and ultimately the nation. His books will always be a source of valuable information and inspiration. They inform, entertain and educate, all at the same time.— NACZ.