Nineteen year- old University of Malawi student Monalisa Alfonso on Wednesday night took a huge step into her writing career when she launched a poetry anthology titled Momental Memories at Kwaharaba Art Gallery and Café in Blantyre.
Her 27 short poems book journeys with people on her life experiences.
“I am happy to tell my story through these short poems. It feels amazing to launch this book. This is something I have always wanted to do. It started as a dream but I am happy that it is now a reality,” Alfonso said.
The launch attracted a good audience that included her mother, who surprisingly also won a K10,000 voucher during a raffle draw for her to go and eat at Kwaharaba Art Gallery and Café.
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While many young people are obsessed with technology and rarely take interest in reading and writing, Alfonso, said she loves writing and that she sees herself writing more.
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“For me this is just the beginning, writing makes me feel better. Writing gives me a chance to express myself and so, I urge fellow young people to take interest in writing. I also would love to work with fellow young people going forward and share writing experiences,” Alfonso said.
During the launch, Alfonso, who is pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Psychology, said the anthology serves as a reminder that in life, “we live through so many beautiful moments”.
Alfonso dished out a number of verses during the launch backed by fellow students from University of Malawi and lecturer Kondwani Simbota.
“There are poems such as ‘Friendship’ that I recited but most of the pieces that I performed are not in the book but are related to those that are packaged in the anthology,” she said.
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Poetry Association of Malawi (Pam) President Robert Chiwamba hailed Alfonso for writing, publishing and launching a poetry anthology.
“I am excited looking at young people writing and I am even happy that she is coming from University of Malawi where I also launched my poetry career and several others,” Chiwamba said.
He said all was not lost as regards writing as young people were now dedicating themselves to the artistry.
“Reading culture is no longer there due to technology but we need to keep writing and publishing. I have also been inspired by Monalisa to publish,” the ‘Uzafa Imfa Yowawa’, who recited a number of poems, said.
He then called upon organisations and companies to support the works of art whenever they knock on their doors for funding.
