FANANI FLAVA MOOTS MARCH 2011

Golden street lights washed the entrance to the ‘A Novel Idea’ in Slipway, inside the riveting display of books in two floors with open walls called in for another session of Fanani Flava on the 29th last month.
It was around 7:30pm that I arrived with a friend who has been a very once in a while member. I was a little nervous as I looked at the attendance. As usual, Laurent was in the shop, a bit later there was Cuthbert and I thought here we’ll have another small session. I was wrong before I took a calm breath there was a swarm of new friends in Fanani Flava. It was really refreshing…
We began with the customary introductions; there was Daniel Kimaro he noted he loves poetry, Ahmed Ali first time in a poetry session…Almat Hometo with her colleague Jasmine Fernandez from USA currently visiting. These two aren’t new to poetry or art, at the time they were helping the build of a poetry club in one of the secondary schools in Dar.
Other ‘newbies’ included Alex Hartman who wasn’t sure if he was ‘into poetry’ but awaited to see as he thought he was dropping in for a play. Also there was Laila Kanumba. Marc Mkono. Britney Urasuah, Patrick and Mariam Silas in this category it was great to have a full house.
Other members we know were there, Cuthbert Swai, Bakir (he disappeared halfway). Upendo Hartsuiker, Irena, Laurent and Caroline Uliwa…these were privy to the session’s theme which is ‘Money’. Soon we were onto the meat of the session where we digest poems and other Fanani treats….first up was a new member ‘Jasmine’
‘Broken’-Jasmine
Her poem which had quotes the like ‘Heart bleeds….walk too freely.” Was delivered with real passion. Standing up this red head reminded many of member Maya Wegerif in her delivering style.
I’ll add the distinct difference with the two poets lies in their content. While Maya’s poems lend on direct and lyrical, Jasmine’s poem extends in the imagery descriptive especially in her depict of the human emotions.
The ladies loved this piece it talked of a woman’s broken heart in real terms hardly captured in this theme. The guys were mayhap a little stunned for words…
“Love it…..very relatable” Upendo Hartsuiker
“Very Feminist…” Patrick
“Very assertive” Cuthbert.

‘I give you my senses’ Upendo Hartsuiker
This poem recited calmly whilst sitting down had quotes like “Sun….raspberry..You really worked the senses”. Had the sensuousness of a lovers talk sprinkled with undeniable shared surrender, it was much appreciated for its pierce to the heart and really warranted not much discussion as it was a sweet straight dedication to a love.

I bet your wondering who brought a poem on ‘Money’ as this was the intended theme. The next poet did.






‘Money’ Cuthbert Swai
This was perhaps one of the shortest worded poems we’ve heard here in Fanani. With quotes ‘Small Big Weak Strong…Car Love…..You’ve got to have it” It provoked much discussion. Everyone at first was a little flabbergasted as it was words with one sentence at the end.
Still in talking ‘money’ it was soon realized the connection. And everyone got into thinking or talking on money and its importance in our lives.

‘……..Oh my God hivi napelekwa wapi?’ Laurent
Laurent read us a piece that could well have launched his literary career…so emotive yet illusive it displays a candid experience in the prisons of our country. So moved was the audience, with such quotes as “Oh my God 13 days to go…’GODORO YA TATU KWA SITA’ That’s roughly 6 years.” Had we all moved to think on the larger issues pertaining our social justice…

The next poem was by meself titled…

‘Money’ Caroline Uliwa
With quote going “The choice to taste of Earth’s sweet bricks…One day like my birth right…” It was met with a bit of perplexity from the audience.
“Whaaat?” Alex.
Still after re-reading it, it was to get general feedback veering towards two fonts. One that the persona in the poem is still without personal family and looking at the world for freedom and opportunity, the other that it was relatable on that Money=Choice.

Our last poem was from Irena…we hadn’t seen this member for a while….



‘Money’ Irena
With lines echoing “The mother and child, On the red dirt below the billboards….The kid cheers. There’s money here.” This poem was easier understood, with comments flying on the experiences of many with street beggars. With some sympathizing as well being annoyed by the lack of imagination in such a line of finding a living..

Well that was FANANI FLAVA March’2011 this month the theme decided was ‘BABIES’………

February 2011 Moots

Fanani Meet Feb’2011
Fanani’s meet for the first time in 2011, was small and sweet. We met at the Novel Idea in Slipway, there were six of us. Lawrence our host from A novel Idea, had all the chairs moved and ready in a circle fashion for a sweet night of poetry.

After we all streamed in, there were the traditional introductions, none the more interesting than Bakir who came last. With his personal inauguration of “I am co-founder of Fanani”. Well certainly we’ve had Bakir as long as we can remember lol. Only one new member tuned for this first year session her name being Bahati Mandago, and we had an oldie but goodie Ms Lilian Kasezo on the scene. The rest were Cuthbert Swai, Caroline Uliwa, Bakir and Lawrence.

Our first poem was read by Cuthbert…Not his own composition titled ‘Back to the Front’-Mphutlane wa Bofelo. In response to it Lilian said this was a poem “That begs for the rising of a new consciousness.” The poem truly gave reason for taking some deep look at our actions and their consequences. “To the front comrades No more slinking behind slogans Noe more hiding in rhetoric…” It was also felt within the group that the poet in question was “All over the place”-Bahati; as the poem touched way too many themes.

The second poem to be read was by Lawrence which we later came to realize was his own composition a fact at first he didn’t wish be known. It had no title it begins “Nasema Hivi…” So we’ll call it that for now. It was short and expressive. Some felt it should have gone on further as it beckoned for more illustration. Still somethings were clear, it pressed on the issue of slack pertaining to our politicians and civilians.

The next poem was by Caroline titled 3/5. Responses to it were boys v/s girls. Where the boys seemed a bit surprised Lawrence in particular that sadness could be reached by this poet. While the girls defended that well, just because challenges are passed doesn’t mean it’s reason to feel like a victim.

The last poem of the night is a poem from the late 2Pac to Jada Pinket. I’ll quote “You’re my heart in a human form…You bring climax without sex and you do this with a regal grace.”

Well ladies and gents you can imagine the comments, it was a lovely night we sipped some wine while reflecting as always laughing in Fanani.. The next theme is ‘Money’ hope to see you there with a poem and loads of quirky thoughts to share…

Tata-cococococo Caroline Uliwa