An Interview with Mwana waMusikavanhu

Born in Zimbabwe, Mwana waMusikavanhu has a Master of Business Administration. For twenty-four years, he worked in the insurance industry and later engaged in financial planning before pursuing a role in consulting and strategy. He is currently the Chief Executive of a financial services organisation. The Sacred Passage is his first novel. Mwana is married and has three children. Mwana lives in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

It was a struggle to come up with an appropriate title. When I was reviewing the manuscript, I realised that the protagonist kept swearing by ‘the sacred passage’. At this point, it hit me that I should use it as the title.

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

I remember staring at it then put on a smile, joy and a sense of accomplishment when I held the first copy of my book.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

Writing is a hobby for me although books such as The Hunger Games, Animal Farm, Things Fall Apart and Runako Munjodzi made a lasting impression on me.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I have done pension fund administration for over twenty years. I have also worked as a management and strategy consultant.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

Judging by the feedback I am receiving from readers, it seems I have done a good job of keeping readers occupied, anxious to find out what happened next and looking at the world of politics from a different perspective. Some are engaging me to discuss the characters and how I conjured up the conversations.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

Songs that come to mind for a soundtrack to the book are “Storms in Africa” – Enya, “Wind of Change” – Scorpions, “Revolution” – Pretenders, “Many Rivers to Cross” – Jimmy Cliff, “Victims” – Lucky Dube, “Chidza Chepo” – Thomas Mapfumo, and “Freedom,” “Redemption Song,” and “Strong Enough” – Cheryl Crow.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

I expect readers not just to focus on the main story but also on the subplots as they play a significant role in contributing to the main plot. Perfect readers need to also relate events in a novel to everyday life and draw lessons that can contribute to making the world a better place.

What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?

I am definitely doing some writing. Currently, I have completed a draft manuscript of a community in turmoil due to a raging war and I am in the process of reviewing it.

How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?

The process of working with Atmosphere Press went smoothly. It was unexpected for a first-time writer. The assistance and enthusiasm were great from the editorial team, design team, marketing team, and digital team. Atmosphere Press appears like a family to me.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.