IHRAM Writing Influencer Mbizo Chirasha Interviews Accomplished Zimbabwean Writer and Librarian Moreblessing “Momo” Size
MC:. Who is Moreblessing “Momo “Size and what is her fame in Zimbabwe and abroad?
Moreblessing “Momo” Size: Momo Size is a spoken word artist, published poet, writer, community development practitioner, knowledge management specialist who combines all she does to uplift women and the students she mostly interacts with in her new career as a Higher Education Officer. She has taught students from diploma level to PhD level on research, information literacy skills, referencing tools and publishing. She has performed in festivals and literary events in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa and her work has been published in print and online.
MC: How long have you been writing, performing poetry and gleaning on literary arts interventions?
Moreblessing “Momo” Size: I started writing in primary school winning awards but only got into performance poetry in 2009 and publishing started in 2013.
MC: You are an accomplished librarian, what are you are greatest experiences with books and the book industry?
Moreblessing “Momo” Size: I have seen how books impact a student’s life when they start their academic journey till graduation, books have a way of containing not only knowledge but books have the ability to open one’s mind and to heal. My experience with the book industry has been quite interested and two sided as I have seen the local book industry deteriorating and publishing houses closing. On the other side I have seen writers making their own path and self-publishing which has benefits to the writer.
MC: How do you feel about the death of publishing and demise of the vibrant bookfair in Zimbabwe?
Moreblessing “Momo” Size: It has been heartbreaking to see the death of great publishing houses that have housed some of the greatest literary works the world over and I remember Zimbabwe Book Fair was one of the first big platforms that formed my performance career. And as a librarian the Book Fair was where we scouted for books and interacted with publishers for acquisitions. It is a sad state of affairs.
MC: You are part of the greater generation that formed the Book café poetry slam who are your contemporaries and what are positives of the 2006 poetry slam as well how did you benefit?
Moreblessing “Momo” Size: Book Café was the life source for many of us as poets and literature enthusiasts, I used to shy away from slam poetry till a dear friend of mine encouraged me to participate in the Shoko Festival Poetry Slam and I made it to the second round. Book Café management made sure one was paid for performances.
MC: How many books, stories, poetry or articles published in your name, if any list a few including the publisher and the year?Moreblessing “Momo” Size: Articles are under my name online Moreblessing Size they are around 5, over 4 blogs that I write anonymously and get paid for and three anthologies:
Zimbolicious, An anthology of Zimbabwean Literature and Arts Volume 3 ed by Mwanaka Media and Publishing 2018
One Poem ,The collected poems of Zimbabwe under Tsonga Mukololo Publications 2018
As She Spoke , under Tsonga Mukololo Publications 2021
MC: There are numerous arts festivals in Zimbabwe, which ones have you attended?
Moreblessing “Momo” Size: Shoko Festival, International Festival of the Arts, The Protest Arts Festival, Intwasa Festival, Midlands Arts Festival, International Images Festival for Women .
MC: Do you have any writings that dwell on human rights, free expression , gender equity and more?
Moreblessing “Momo” Size: I do have work that has gender equity and human rights as an individual passionate about community development my writing cannot leave out the plight and successes of women.
MC: Can you list your accolades, fellowships and other literary arts achievements?
Moreblessing “Momo” Size: Tsonga Mukololo Crescent award, 2021 for encouraging and inspiring women through writing.
MC: What other community engagement projects are you doing beside arts and writing?
Moreblessing “Momo” Size: I mentor young girls and teach women how to write their own stories and how to use computers to increase their life chances.
MC: Who is Moreblessing Size in the next five years?
Moreblessing “Momo” Size: I’m working towards having a PhD and running an organization that caters to young women in terms of technology, literary and performing arts and health.
Moreblessing ”Momo” Size , was introduced to the poetry scene of the likes the famous of Book Café and Acoustic Nights at the Zimbabwe Germany society in 2010. She has performed alongside the legendary Albert Nyathi at the opening of Zimbabwe International Book Fair in 2012. She has gone to perform at platforms such as Midlands Arts Festival, The African Hip-hop Symposium, University Of Zimbabwe, World Poetry Celebrations 2013, Shoko Festival Breaking Barriers Poetry Slam 2013, Lillian Masitera’s Saskam Express Book launch 2014, Protest Arts Festival 2014, International Images Film Festival For Women 2014, Intwasa Festival kwaBulawayo 2015, and British Coucil, 2015. She performed for the former First Family at Maestro in 2015, Dr Fay Chung’s “Look East” Book launch 2015, Women’s Arts Festival 2015, Zimbabwe Women Writers Association Anniversary 2016, Women’s University In Africa Transformative Strategy Launch 2017, British Council Page Poetry 2018, Vrystaat Literature Festival Bloemfontein 2018. Moreblessing Size’s writing is confronting yet light to the ear and her work has been described as embodiment of survival at its best.
