Mbizo Chirasha interviews Shifaa Ibuni from Zanzibar, Tanzania

MC: Who  is Shifaa Ibuni and what does she do?
Shifaa: Shifaa is a happy, outspoken creative person who loves socializing and learning from others. She is also an Educator, with more than 10 years working experience in various children Projects. She is passionate about literacy and child development. Currently, she supports children in pre-primary and primary levels by enhancing their reading and writing skills. She integrates storytelling sessions, writing workshops and conducting events.

MC: How books have you written?
Shifaa:I haven’t written any published books yet, however I have written one poem “ Journey to My Dream” March 2023 Edition and one Children’s Fiction “Baraka the Bee” published in July 2024 Edition published in the Writers Space Africa Magazine. I haven’t published any books yet; however i have written a poem called “Journey to My Dream” which was featured in the March 2023 edition of the Writers Space Africa Magazine. Additionally, my children’s fiction story “Baraka the Bee” was published in the magazine’s July 2024 edition.

MC: For how long have you been poetry and what are your thematic areas?
Shifaa: This is an interesting question…Poetry is more of a passion or hobby for me. I have been actively writing and seeking to connect with people, literary artists and organizations that share similar interests. My thematic areas often revolve around topics like racism and the sense of belonging.

MC: What other professions do you do besides writing?
Shifaa: Throughout my career I have worked on various children projects, including child protection, health and education. Currently, I am a teacher for pre-primary children. I am also establishing a space dedicated to fostering a culture of reading in my community in Zanzibar, where I focus on supporting and enhancing reading and writing skills among children.

MC:. How  are writers , books and poets  treated in your country of Tanzania?
Shifaa: Writers would love to have their work as an income-generating activity but because the cost of publishing is too high and they need their work out there, they end up accepting publisher’s agreements which for Tanzania offer them only 10% of their work. This falls hard to the writers leaving the publishers with the lions share in the authors work. There is no enough market opportunities apart from online like amazon and kindle. Every writer is trying to make out on her own to get her work a financially worth it. Unlike artists (musicians) where they have their own streaming platforms locally and internationally.

MC: You have been just been awarded as the second prize winner of  IHRAM SADC LITERARY PRIZE  IN POETRY CATEGORY , How does that feel  and are you thinking of writing more poetry?
Shifaa: Wow!! I never ever thought my poem would stand out and hit one’s heart. It really inspires me to continue writing and voice out through poetry. I believe that poetry gains greater significance when it speaks to critical issues that demand attention and action.. I am thinking of making my poetry a work of advocacy about the current state around us, especially Africa.

MC: Are they more other women poets in Tanzania and Zanzibar?
Shifaa: There are a number of women poets in both Tanzania and Zanzibar. These poets write in both Swahili and English, and their works span a diverse range of genres, including poetry, short stories, fiction and non-fiction. Many of them have published multiple books, contributing to the  literary arts in Tanzania and Zanzibar.

MC: Do you have  Writers , Young Writers and Women Writers Organisations in Tanzania and Zanzibar?
Shifaa: Sure! I am currently a member of Writer’s Space Africa in Tanzania, which is around 100 members, predominantly youth aged 18 to 35. There is an organisation in Zanzibar Zanzibar Renaissancne Literary Society that caters to uplift the works of authors but also conduct literary events in events in Zanzibar.

MC: How are human rights, gender equity and free-expression respected in Tanzania and Zanzibar?
Shifaa: I can’t really say much about this, but to my knowledge freedom of expression in both Tanzania and Zanzibar is subject to certain limitations. There are restrictions on how we can express ourselves, particularly regarding content that might provoke political or social unrest.

MC: What is your parting shot to the writing community in your country?
Shifaa: Writing is what we can do best; it is how we speak, dance, draw and interact. It is also the way of voicing out thoughts on pressing regional and global issues that threaten peace and security. Writing is a uni we think about cross cutting issues happening regionally and globally that drives away peace and security in the world. It is a movement that not everybody can really take, so if it is that what you are made for. Use what you have, you never know which piece might touch a heart, inspire change in behaviour or even influence policies . Let’s keep writing!!

Shifaa is an Educator and Child Development and Growth Expert passionate about fostering the literacy skills among children. She believes in the transformative power of storytelling and creative expression. She has over 10 years of experience working extensively with children helping the develop critical reading and writing skills and also initiating safe and inclusive space among children. Shifaa holds a Bachelor's Degree in Language Studies from the University of Dar es Salaam. Her academic background reflects her dedication to using language to express herself and communication within her community and beyond.