An interview with Marian Christie, about my writing & publishing journey, and our latest collaboration.
"I think and dream in Karanga – a dialect of the Shona language, so even when I’m writing in English, that inherent Karanga flair will always show up in my work. That said, the reverse is also true, and I use some English words and concepts when I write in Shona, especially when I’m exploring themes that are foreign to the Shona culture, yet they have become a part of our lives due to migration and colonisation."
BBC World Service
The Documentary - Women Writing Zimbabwe
By Tawanda Mudzonga
In this documentary, contemporary women writers from Zimbabwe speak fearlessly about their experiences, and I am featured on the programme.
ZIMBABWE INDEPENDENT
Vazhure launches 'Starfish Blossoms' in Harare
By Khumbulani Muleya
"In-between readings,Vazhure– who was wearing a stunning gown made of thetraditional Retso fabric — took the opportunity to share some of the most poignant moments of her life. The reading was followed by a question-and-answer segmentwhere she was joined bythe Shangaan poet Matose. Both poets engaged in conversations that revealed interesting anecdotes of some of their writing experiences."
Books and Indie Publishing: A Conversation with Samantha Rumbidzai Vazhure
by Rutendo Chichaya
"Running a small indie press is an altruistic labour of love - I am empathetic and accommodating to the needs of the writers I publish despite the challenges I face, because I share their frustrations and celebrations. The work gives me a huge sense of purpose and I believe it is my calling. Ultimately, the two worlds complement each other beautifully."
THE ZIMBABWE INDEPENDENT
Book festival opens avenues for writers
By Khumbulani Muleya
THE HERALD
Vazhure's 'Starfish blossoms' a multi-tasking collection.
By Memory Chirere
HSTV
To celebrate International Women's Month 2023, Khumbulani Bandula Muleya speaks with Samantha Rumbidzai Vazhure as a woman achiever in literature, on HSTV.
Breaking the bias:
The publisher and author
An interview with Takudzwanashe Ndangana
"Be shamelessly intentional and your intentions must be aligned with your actions. Do whatever it takes to bring yourself in balance, because that is the only way creativity will flow through you. Eat well, exercise, meditate, don’t self-sabotage and be authentic in your creations.
Most importantly, do not fear judgement. No one is perfect and it’s ok if not everyone appreciates your art. But, there will always be someone who appreciates your craft."
BBC New World Service
DIGITAL PLANET
by Gareth Mitchell with expert commentary from Angelica Mari.
"Samantha Rumbidzai Vazhure set up her own publishing house in the UK as she could not get her work printed. She reads one of her poems in Shona, a native Zimbabwean language, and explains how she now looks for fellow female authors online and publishes their work too."
RADIO FRANCE
The Zimbabwean lawyer turned publisher who took on a 'WhatsApp' author
BY RYAN TRUSCOTT
"A writer’s struggle to get her book of Shona poetry published overseas saw her found a publishing house that's now helping Zimbabwean writers get their books published – including one who typed out his entire novel on WhatsApp."
AWiM News
Zimbabwean female author opens doors for women in African Literature
By Maka Mutamiri June 30, 2022
From one woman to a network of Zimbabwean female writers transforming African Literature across the world. AWiM News speaks with Samantha Rumbidzai Vazhure on her journey to becoming a Zimbabwean author and publisher for many others who have been rendered invisible.
Finding feminism in my late 30s: Lessons and reflections of outgrowing patriarchy - interview with radical feminist, Tinatswe Mhaka
The Feminist Bar Podcast
"Whoever chooses to stay in your life after your feminist enlightenment loves you truly & you can be as real as you like with those people. Unlearning misogyny has been the most precious thing for me. I love myself a lot more than I did before my enlightenment."
In this episode, I join Tinatswe Mhaka to talk about my feminist journey. How does patriarchy keep us in place? What are some of the things that enlighten us into discovering new freedoms?
