BULAWAYO - Bulawayo poet Solwazi ‘Eternity’ Nkiwane, 24, has finally published an anthology titled Truth Be Told that she began working on at the age of 13.
The 21-poem collection includes two pieces originally published by Radio Dialogue in their magazine YDB and one by Mgcini Nyoni’s Bulawayo Poetry.
Her two pieces that featured on Radio Dialogue are Child to Born and Umlomo Wakho while the poem Connection was included in the anthology courtesy of Bulawayo Poetry.
Nkiwane told the Daily News that the release of Truth Be Told was a triumph.
“I feel relieved that my anthology is finally out because it is not easy having a book published in this country,” said the poet.
“I worked hard to create this collection and I am happy that my dream has finally materialised .
“Now I know that most of my works since the age of 13 are now in one volume and I hope people will learn a lot from the book.”
Now that her debut collection is out of the way, Nkiwane believes her career is now well-positioned to blossom.
“I feel like I can do more.
“The publication of Truth Be Told means a lot to me because not many people get their works published.
“I thank God for that.
“My father played an important role in the publication of the book because he financially supported and encouraged me,” she said.
According to Nkiwane, diverse topics are catered for in her book.
“The anthology reflects on the ‘truth according to Eternity’. Poems found in the collection cover various aspects of life.
“There are poems on early marriages and early divorces.
Pieces like Song Like No Other and Mr Brown tackle the scourge of gender-based violence.
I also wrote Bible-based poems like Voice of Repentance and By Nature’s Hand,” said Nkiwane.
Nkiwane has featured in several arts events which include Intwasa Arts Festival, Bulawayo Has Got Talent and Poetic Dreams.
On September 21 last year, she performed at Save the Rhino Campaign, sharing the stage with top poets like Philani Nyoni during an event to commemorate the works of Dambudzo Marechera.