Bulawayo poet now a record holder

30 Aug, 2015 - 05:08 0 Views

The Sunday News

Mbongeni Msimanga Sunday Leisure Correspondent
BULAWAYO poet, Philani Nyoni continues to shine in the arts fraternity, as he stands with his head above the clouds for his lifetime achievement of being nominated as the world record holder for having the most Shakespearean poems in a manuscript. Nyoni who is no stranger in the arts fraternity, was nominated for the most Shakespearean sonnets in a manuscript, after he wrote 306 Shakespearean sonnets at the age of 26, a feat that has not been achieved by poets the world over.
Shakespeare who died at the age of 52, only managed to pen 153 sonnets.

Nyoni who is an illustrious second-generation writer and poet said he was elated to have achieved this at his age. His work has been shared at esteemed arts venues such as Johannesburg’s Bassline among other places.

“It is an honour to have achieved such a feat at this age. Shakespeare died at 52 and at half his age, I have achieved double what he has done. So far no one in the world has achieved this,” said Nyoni.

Nyoni has also been included in theatrical work both locally and internationally and has also represented Zimbabwe at the Caine Prize for African workshops.
Nyoni said he was delighted to have worked with authors, John Eppel a renowned poet, novelist and English teacher at Christian Brothers College in being nominated as a record holder.

Eppel, once remarked, “Of all the second-language poets I have read, including Marechera, none has Philani Nyoni’s control of English rhyme, metre, pun and paradox.”
Nyoni said:“I have worked with the renowned author and he has been of great help in most of my works that I have published so far. For me, poetry is a way of life and the sky is the limit.”

Although the poems have not been published yet, Nyoni said he was working on compiling an anthology that would be published next year at the 400th commemoration of Shakespeare’s death and the venue for the events in Bulawayo are yet to be confirmed.

“The poems are set to be published next year at Shakespeare’s 400th commemoration, which will be a worldwide event. I am yet to confirm where the celebrations are to be hosted in Bulawayo,” said Nyoni.

His nomination was confirmed by the record setter a social media website containing a collection of world records created by the public and evaluated by staff and visitors to the site.

Nyoni is also a National Arts and Merit Awards (Nama) winner author for the book Once a Lover Always a Fool. He has also been nominated for Outstanding Actor in a film in the 2015 edition of the National Arts and Merit Awards (Nama). Nyoni starred in the local film Production Qiniso, which was released early this year. His first book was edited by John Eppel and the respect between them is mutual.

Share This:

Survey


We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey

This will close in 20 seconds