On the occasion of her 41st Birthday on 6 January 2022,  Zimbabwean jazz and gospel artist Dudu Manhenga celebrates the birth of her second book of poetry, ‘’Past,  Present & Future’, with an online launch at 7pm (CAT) on  her Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/dudumanhenga. 

earGROUND

She describes her writings as “Poetry by one woman who is  walking a winding path towards God’s design”. The book is  the second in a trio started in 2017 which she named  ‘3notkord’, quoting the Scripture ‘… a cord of 3 strands is  not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12b) – a concept that  resonates in music also.  

‘Past, Present & Future’ follows Dudu’s first book ‘3notkord: Questions, Assumptions and  Conclusions’ published in 2017, which is also available online. The third book in this trio, ‘His  Daughters’, will be released later this year. 

Dudu says “This edition of 3NotKord is a kind of this-and-that. It looks at the past – mine and yours – the present, and finally the future. The past is not always too pleasant and the present can be hard  to bear, but the hope that the future brings is what always keeps us going. I pray that you will  change how you look at the past, embrace it as the platform that got you here.”  

The twenty-five poems are an opportunity to enter into the emotions of the past, present and hopes  for the future with titles hinting at what may follow – In our mother’s kitchen … Just when my wit  ends … The Cock’s Crow … I am dangerous to you … Igumbagumba … Mrs Moyo: A letter to my  Grade 1 Teacher. 

Dudu Manhenga is an acclaimed contributor to the rich music history of Zimbabwe. For more than  twenty years she has written, recorded and performed for audiences in Zimbabwe and beyond, from  the humblest to the highest, and brought dignity and respect to Zimbabwe in her travels in the world  beyond our borders.

Dudu pastors the Oasis of Grace Church, under the Pentecostal Assemblies of Zimbabwe in Harare. She is also a strong voice in defence of the poor and voiceless; and a supporter of women  everywhere. 

As a singer, lyricist and composer, with 5 music albums and a few singles in her discography (see  Spotify , itunes and other online stores), Dudu’s words have reached the world through music.  

Now, beyond the stage, her voice turns to the pages of the written word.

She quotes the Psalmist: “My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my  tongue is the pen of a skilful writer.” – Psalm 45:1 

Editing & Layout of the book was carried out by Kunzwana Trust in the Arts Factory project,  funded by the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe ‘CreativeACTIONS’ programme, co- funded by the  European Union.