Mythology or fantasy is a subject that hasn’t been so well embraced by a lot of Zimbabwean authors or a lot of African authors for that matter. But it’s a subject and a genre that has captured so many minds across the world. A clear representation of this is how JK Rowling became a billionaire ten years after the first Harry Potter novel was published. Although this fantasy space has so much more to be done, Chengeto Mayowe is one author taking up space in the genre.
She embraces more than just the subject of fantasy but her way of life encompasses African religion and star signs. She’s proclaimed herself the “modern-day svikiro”. Chengeto first ventured into writing with a poetry collection in 2019 titled “Déjà Vu”. A collection that was well received and extensively covered the subjects of love and healing. Initially, we were set for a follow poetry collection in 2020 but the pandemic happened, the lockdown came and birthed inspiration within Chengeto, and the trilogy “Daughters of fate” was born.
In “Daughters of fate” Chengeto not only dared to create a fictional world centered around Zimbabwean culture but Japanese culture too. The two are merged in the three books of great storytelling which doesn’t entirely happen in isolation but is closely related to reality. Chengeto has created a magical world entirely from her imagination but the world incorporates many of the issues we face in our day-to-day life. In somewhat a twist of fate, the trilogy was inspired by a poem in her second poetry book “Souls Of Forgotten Queens” which should’ve come last year but is being released together with, “Daughters of fate”.
There is particular bravery in the way Chengeto writes. She’s not afraid of failure or being accepted but she’s simply writing for herself foremost and what happens later happens. Speaking on how she sets herself apart she spoke about how art is different from each creative and how inspiration is varied. “I think when it comes to art of any kind, we are literally all different. Art itself is expression through various forms and what inspires me is different from what inspires other people. My paintings, writing, beading, and spoken word are different and powerful, but that doesn’t mean the next artist’s stuff isn’t, you know?” Chengeto said.
“Some people prefer how I articulate myself and maybe I’ll ask people that question so I know what to say next time. I’m not scared to be seen as weird nor do I get put down when being blue ticked or ignored when seeking assistance. I’m very resilient, I want my dream more than anything and I will achieve it with or without help, you know,” she went on.
The “Daughters of fate” trilogy commences with Oracles’ Tale followed by Seers Vision then finally Priestesses Voice. Chengeto is set to officially launch the trilogy at the end of the month but it’s already available for purchase. Alongside the trilogy, the poetry collection “Souls of forgotten queens” was also released. The books currently have a special discounted price for October and you can contact Chengeto Mayowe through her socials or buy them online here.
