As the country continues to mourn literary colossus Professor Jack Mapanje, an anthology titled Rare Earths has been released.
The poetry anthology, which is available on Amazon, features works of several renowned writers including Mapanje.
Seasoned writer Ken Lipenga has since congratulated publishers for the anthology.
“Its arrival is especially poignant following the passing of Jack Mapanje, whose work appears in its pages,” Lipenga wrote on his Facebook page.
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The former legislator and Cabinet minister added that he was honoured to have his own work, including the more recent ‘Birth of Sombani’, included in the company of Jack’s and that of Steve Chimombo, David Rubadiri, Benedicto Wokomaatani Malunga, Q Malewezi, Stella Chipasula, Zondiwe Mbano, Frank Chipasula, Sambalikagwa Mvona, Hoffman Aipira, Edson Mpina and many other distinguished poets.
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“The anthology brings voices together across generations and time: a fitting tribute to the enduring life of poetry,” Lipenga said.
Poet Mashallo Samilo, whose works are part of the anthology, said the true power of the anthology lies in its intergenerational dialogue.
“It creates a sacred space where the dead and the living, the exiled and the rooted, speak to one another across the boundaries of time,” Samilo said.
The anthology, through its title, carries two meanings. It points to the elemental wealth of the land: Mulanje and Sapitwa, the Shire, Zomba, Likoma and the deep waters of Lake Malawi.
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It also names the poets themselves, the cultural witnesses who mine a nation’s memory.
Inside, landscape is never just scenery. Mountains seduce, rebel and give birth.
Lakes and rivers hold grief and humour.
The poems face deforestation, the devastation of Cyclone Freddy, political disillusionment and personal loss. They also celebrate love, family and the everyday beauty of home.
Publishers have since said the anthology is ideal for lovers of African literature, students and teachers of poetry and anyone who wants to discover the living voice of Malawi.
Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in for Mapanje, who died on November 4, 2026 in the United Kingdom, where he was based.
He died at the age of 82.
The creator of works such as Of Chameleons and Gods came from Mangochi District.
He is survived by a wife, three children and five grandchildren.
Family members are yet to announce burial arrangements.
