Zimbabwean-American poet and Duke University professor Tsitsi Jaji is bringing a fresh perspective to the study of poetry in her chapter titled "Decolonizing the Poem" in the recently released *The Cambridge Companion to the Poem*.
Dr. Jaji, known for her own renowned poetry, delves into the realm of Shona oral poetry, moving beyond the written word to explore its significance in crucial life moments. Her chapter focuses on *nhetembo dzemadzinza*, a genre of Shona oral praise poetry, and examines its role in rites of passage, kinship affirmations, and even romantic exchanges.
"This chapter approaches the concept of the poem through the recitation of oral praise poetry in interpersonal exchanges and in an increasingly textual world," reads the synopsis. "Blending literary history, textual analysis, and autoethnography, the chapter illuminates a decolonial approach to the poem, shifting from an emphasis on the individually authored work to the value of shared practice."
Dr. Jaji's work highlights the interpretive power of collectives, challenging the traditional focus on individual authorship. She further analyzes how diaspora poets are reimagining *nhetembo*, seeking to reclaim a non-hierarchical, decolonializing approach to social relations.
"The chapter then addresses the reimagination of *nhetembo* by poets who, living in the diaspora, seek nevertheless to claim a nonhierarchical, decolonializing set of social relations," the synopsis continues.
Dr. Jaji's inclusion in the prestigious Cambridge Companions series underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating diverse forms of poetry, particularly those that have traditionally been marginalized. Her work promises to deepen our understanding of the rich history and cultural significance of Shona oral poetry, while also offering a critical and decolonial perspective on the nature of poetry itself.
