MAXWELL PERKINS KANEMANYANGA (Zimbabwe)

By I. M. Soqaga

Maxwell Perkins Kanemanyanga has been writing creatively over the years – having published at least three books of short stories that are fascinating.  Without resorting to hyperbole, his contribution to literature is exceptionally great.  Kanemanyanga is Zimbabwean by birth.  He is known as a passionate and energetic essayist.  He has written a number of enthusiastically noteworthy fiction, in particular short stories.

Apparently, writers normally have where they started before they can become rather prolific and recognised. Like any writer in the world, Maxwell initial beginning of being interested in literature is quite enchanting.  Dambudzo Marechera in his early colonial upbringing in Zimbabwe was very affectionate about formal education.  He was, even as a child, exceptionally gifted, and his favourite pastime was reading.  In school he was always top in class.

Maxwell also became passionately keen on literature in his young age, although he was not sure about his ability to be a writer.  He thought he could be a movie star, obviously inspired by the Black African-American actor Denzel Washington.  In fact it was through his friend Mr Garan’anga who essentially identified his literary aptitude.  He frankly told Maxwell that he had the inklings of a writer.  Maxwell was superb in school.  He could precisely know how to write essays at school.  His first story was published in Teen column of the Herald.  

Thereafter he started writing articles to many newspapers like Sunday Mail, Daily and Sunday Mirror, and the Daily news which was later banned.  With the advice from his friend, Phillip Chidavaenzi who was a journalist he enrolled at Christian College of Southern Africa.  In 2006 his piece “Africa needs justice from the west not democracy lessons” was nominated for the Lorenzo Natalie and European commission.  The following year at school, he also published an article “We badly need moral salvation” which was on Zimbabwe Independent and it was nominated for the Lorenzo Natalie Prize.

Of course Zimbabwe has produced many splendid African writers who perpetually displayed appealing world class literature.  It is important to acknowledge that Maxwell like other writers in Zimbabwe never achieved his literary goal in Zimbabwe, despite his ability to contribute colossal articles in different Zimbabwean newspapers while he was living in the country.

Nevertheless, it is a fact that the now entrenched writer of short stories, Kanemanyanga, went on to realise his dream of being a sublime writer in South Africa, in the Free State province.  Maxwell's literary achievement began to blossom in the Free State after he was introduced to Chief O Bolaji.  As is his wont, Bolaji has been one of the sedulous literary pundits who has churned out countless number of books in Free State and he has seraphic heart to inspire others.  Inasmuch Maxwell has candidly expressed “When I came in South Africa I was introduced to Mr Bolaji, a renowned writer.  I was used to write letters and essays, so I did the same with him.  Then one day he told me to diversify as a writer.  He said I could start by writing poems and short stories.  This is how it all started...  now I have published a book of fiction!”. More works were to follow.

Maxwell grew up in a family where he was the only boy; he took to books so early in his life.  This was like a habit to him, and when he grew older he became an avid reader.  His main areas of interest were biographies, and philosophy.  He read biographies of Dr Martin Luther King JR, Gandi, Mandela, Biko, Fredrick Douglas, Bob Marley, Mother Theresa, Tiger Woods and many more.  Besides also read novels of Dambudzo Marechera, Ngugi wa Thiong'o, Sydney Sheldon, Jeffrey Archer etc.

Well so far, Maxwell because of his unique literary perspective of short stories has published fine books which have received a lot of recognition and been reviewed by a number of  critics, including Pule Lechesa. Actually, these reviews are very arresting and of course are enthusiastically intriguing.  Let’s take some succinct excerpts from the reviews: 

(Book:  Enemy of the State- Review by Pule Lechesa)

“The book Enemy of the State which comprises ten short stories penned by Maxwell Perkins Kanemanyanga, is a welcome addition to short stories written and published by African authors over the years.  As the blurb of the book remind us:

“Fiction of the shorter variety have been spun out over the decades by distinguished African wordsmith like Chinua Achebe, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Ama Ata Aidoo, Dambudzo Marechera, Es’kia Mphahlele, David Maillu, Gomolemo Mokae, Omoseyi Bolaji, Leboela Motopi, et al.”

(Book:  Chapindapasi -Review by Raphael Mokoena)

“This is the third published collection of stories by Maxwell Perkins Kanemanyanga.  It is reassuring that he has not rested on his laurels, and continues to be creative as a writer.

Reading his new book, one wonders when Kanemanyanga will write/publish his first novel.  This is because his short stories often bear the germs and suggestion that they can be converted into even longer fiction; if the author so desires.  This is obvious from his latest collection.”

(Book:  How do I talk about my ordeal? - Review by Paul Lothane)

“Kanemanyanga started his literary career by publishing two books of short stories.  Many in the literary fraternity will now reckon that his next step should be a novel or at least a novella.  In these days where when imaginative writing is thin on the ground at grassroots level, one can not but wish Mr. Kanemanyanga all the best...”

Criticism

Pule Lechesa has added: “Another issue is the unsatisfactory ending of many of these stories (including the Title Story, The Enemy of the State).  Apart from the impressive adjectival speech of the Colonel, we are never told what happens in the end.  Is he killed too, or does he come into power to help his country and people?

Alas, the grandiose speeches often become ends in themselves without substantial logic and conclusions; apart from the debacle of the colonel in the title story, there is the “The Prof of universal knowledge” (the title itself is pomposity personified!).  He goes on and on examining the ills of society bringing in even old Athens and its philosophy.  This might be construed as “overkill” by many readers-the author wanting to show off his knowledge..."

Raphael Mokoena has also chipped in: “It is almost inevitable that at the end-despite the fact that David is apparently a changed man and travelling back to the wonderful young lady – he loses his life in a tragic accident.  So Maidei’s sufferings continue needlessly, a selfless, idealistic lady and mother, loses all.  One cannot but feel that this conclusion ruins this story.

This is another finely written collection of stories authored by Maxwell Kanemanyanga, but one cannot help but wonder whether there is any real need for the frequent, gratuitous sufferings, tragedies, and pathos he churns out?”

As for Paul Lothane, he refers to the story, “Baby from the plastic”; opining: “It might have been a success, but once again it is marred by the author’s penchant to go on and on –even including a long discourse on football, Arsene Wenger and his regime at Arsenal.  It is clear the author loves football.  But here in this context it comes across as gratuitous, over-stretched ...”

General Conclusion:

The critical attention he has enjoyed is congenial and a candid testimony that Maxwell Kanemanyanga is a well recognised and established writer. His humongous literary works buttress the evidence that he is a talented writer gifted with sufficient literary prowess to produce such heralded books.