Shadreck Chikoti

Shadreck Chikoti (born 7 October 1979) is a Malawian writer and activist. Chikoti writes in both English and Chichewa. His published works include Free Africa Flee! (2001) and Mwana wa Kamuzu (The Son of Kamuzu) (2010). Quotes Africa just has so much to deal with right now, that it is very difficult to start imagining the future I feel obligated as an artist to follow the footsteps of those who went before us The number of talented individuals is uncountable, yet we do not possess enough knowledge to allow us dine at the same table with counterparts There is nothing more valuable to a writer than learning from others in the business, be them young or old (in their career I mean) SHADRECK CHIKOTI: AFRICA JUST HAS SO MUCH TO DEAL WITH RIGHT NOW […] n.d Writers in Africa have written not what they wanted to write but what they thought would get published or get a literary prize The idea comes from how as a writer myself, I have been grappling with the issue of the future. Especially looking at Africa As writers, it’s not really our responsibility but we envision, create, and so we can think about the future In every African country dreams have meaning and we give a lot of attention to dreams I look at myself more as a writer than as someone who produces a particular genr SHADRECK CHIKOTI 24 August 2026 I write what I like Every writing is a battlefield for so many debates the world looks at African literature differently from the way they look at other literatures Many critics, when talking about African stories, concentrate on the “what” question. Like what is the author saying here. They would ignore the “how”; the beauty of one’s writing Writing needs to be meaningful, but not always have a problem when people describe African literature by its content and describe other literatures through descent. The West has been very central in defining African literature. I realize that as a writer my work is subject to scrutiny and that I must not be incensed or react inhospitably when someone points out defects in my work. It actually helps me to grow as a writer why do we continue to imagine that the future will completely be devoid of elements from the present? I seriously hate templates or formulas in writing There is no limitation to imagination. I strongly believe that in this century art will continue to shape the affairs of our society I believe that art reaches far into time, creating possibilities ahead of now Art is the architectural model, while science is the actual building project The power of art is in the imagination while the power of science is in making those dreams material Writivism is arguably one of the best spaces showcasing African literature There is hope in upcoming writers, and I am one of them, I think Shadreck Chikoti: Speculative fiction is wide in its scope 6 May 2018 I get afraid, very afraid, when somebody, anybody, prescribes to me which books to read and not to read. When somebody gives me a template of what African literature ought to look like African literature should have African characters. African literature should be set in Africa. African literature should address African issues. African literature should feature at least some folklore. African literature can only fit into this box. Nonsense! Therefore let nobody put me in a box in terms of my reading tastes We have to seize the freedom to be what we can be, to write whatever we want, with all the mystery and fire of art. … Great literature is rarely about one thing. It transcends subject Who says that African authors should only be inspired by Africa and only set their stories in Africa and only talk about Africa? I think we are missing it I Am Not Done with African Immigrant Literature 18 February 2016 External links Category:Authors from Malawi Category:Activists from Malawi Category:Social activists Category:1979 births Category:Living people