In the bustling suburb of Budiriro 5, Kingston Dhewa immerses himself in the world of storytelling, balancing his role as a fruit and vegetable vendor with his passion for writing. With the sun beating down and the sounds of local gospel music filling the air, Dhewa diligently types away on his smartphone, crafting the latest chapter of his novel. His outdoor stall serves as both a marketplace and a creative sanctuary, where he engages with customers while simultaneously nurturing his literary aspirations.
‘I could be writing more’
Dhewa, who writes primarily in Shona, draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of African rural life, weaving traditional themes into his narratives. His journey into writing began in high school, but it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that he found the opportunity to truly pursue his passion. The lockdown prompted him to explore WhatsApp, where he discovered a community of writers and readers eager to share their work.
“I felt that I could do a much better job than the authors I read on that group,” he recalls, reflecting on the encouragement he received after submitting his first story. This initial success led to a burgeoning career, with Dhewa now having published 43 novels, each ranging from 35 to 45 chapters. His unique approach involves releasing stories in serialized form, allowing readers to engage with his work chapter by chapter.
Thousands of readers
In the same vibrant community, Clever Pada, a fan of another WhatsApp author, Pamela Ngirazi, finds himself captivated by her latest romance novel,
Ngirazi’s approach highlights the evolving landscape of digital publishing in Zimbabwe, where authors leverage the popularity of messaging apps to monetize their work. Readers often pay for access to full books via mobile money transfers, a method that has become increasingly common in a country where traditional publishing faces significant economic challenges.
e-Books market
With approximately 5 million of Zimbabwe’s 16 million citizens using WhatsApp, the platform has emerged as a vital tool for authors. The economic climate, characterized by high inflation and limited disposable income, has made traditional book purchasing less feasible for many. As a result, WhatsApp has become a lifeline for writers seeking to reach their audience directly.
The African e-books market is projected to grow, with an expected increase in the number of e-book readers. However, the economic realities in Zimbabwe pose challenges for both authors and readers alike. The cost of data remains a barrier, with many opting for WhatsApp as a more affordable means of accessing content.
‘Elitist’ traditional publishing
Despite the rise of self-publishing on platforms like WhatsApp, some industry veterans, such as Philip Chidavaenzi, argue that traditional publishing still holds value. He emphasizes the importance of quality control and the rigorous processes involved in traditional publishing, suggesting that self-published works may not always meet industry standards.
The economic crisis has also impacted traditional publishing, leading to a decline in sales and an increase in piracy. The once-thriving textbook market has suffered significantly, with authors struggling to compete against illegal photocopying.
Intellectual property
As the digital publishing landscape evolves, concerns regarding copyright and intellectual property rights emerge. While Zimbabwe’s laws protect authors’ rights, enforcement remains a challenge. Jacob Mtis
