By MKHOKHELI ZIBENGWA
Zimbabwean born & bred writer Mpumelelo Ncube is among the creative writers who were honored at the 2023 African Honoree Author's Awards, BANO can reveal.
The recognition was extended to acknowledge Ncube's literary contributions through his book titled "My Cinderella".
The African Honoree Author's Award were founded 7 years ago by the award-winning entrepreneur, author and international speaker, Anthea Thyssen-Ambursley.
The aim of the Awards is to connect passionate creative writers of African origin all over the world and honour them for publishing their works that ensure African content is not lacking in global literary expressions.
This is Ncube's first Award and the accolade serves as a powerful validation of his work as an author.
"I am proud to say that I made significant strides in achieving my 2023 AfriCan Honoree Authors Award. However, there is always more to accomplish".
Sharing what the book is about, the author has this to say:
"As a character, Cinderella is a fascinating creation with gorgeous looks. It isn't just a story of a boy and girl falling in love. It's the story of love, longing and acceptance. The story is deeply moving, revolving around a sensitive topic. I laughed, I cried, I prayed and hoped for Frank and Cinderella to have a happy ending."
"There were so many sad moments in this book, and yet an equal number of incidents which made me chuckle. My writing makes one pause and reflect on the experience called life!".
"Characters in My Cinderella, their fears, hopes are brought out exceedingly well. They are funny, sad and even witty. I absolutely loved Frank and Cinderella. Frank's optimism, insecurities, and kindness, bring him closer to the reader."
"Every character in this story spoke to me in their own unique way. Even though fictional, Frank's sister Tanya supports his brother. Throughout the book, I felt Tanya was pushing the reader towards an optimistic ending," he said.
Ncube went on to highlight some of the things that inspired him to pen this novel.
"What inspired me to write this novel:
It cracks me up when books written a century ago or further back are referred to as 'literature,' while contemporary works are, well, just books! Beneath consideration by 'intellectual' snobs. It is as though writers such as Dickens, and others have embedded some magical mystique into their writing. In fact, most of their works are long- winded, boring narratives."
"Every well- written book should be considered literature.However, according to many high-brow intellectuals, you have to be dead for a century before your novel will be considered literature -if they like the thing to begin with.So that being so, as writers we have to control the narrative," he said.
BANO NEWS 2024 || Trading Under Zim GBC Media's ZMC License
