What inspires you to write?

The belief that words give voice and paint pictures. My hope is that my words will resonate with the deepest thoughts and questions that we all have, but don’t always have the platform, opportunity and / or confidence to express. In the process, I hope that every word I write inspires the reader to hope. I hope every expression ignites passion and leads to a fulfilling purpose in spite of the challenge or circumstance.

 Do you think there is a difference between a writer and an author?

Whilst the two are often used interchangeably, I think the difference is that an author is one whose thoughts are published, whereas a writer words the thoughts. Not every writer is an author, and not every author is a writer, but either one can be both.

 What is it about the diaspora experience that made you want to contribute to this anthology?

For me, it’s the preconceived ideas, the assumptions and subsequent expectations; it’s the culture shock, the experience of diversity, the challenges to one’s beliefs and biases; it’s the sacrifices, compromises and self-discovery; it’s the question of who I am and the extent to which my social, spiritual and economic environment shape me, and it’s the determination and hope for better.

 How do you think your works in this anthology contribute to the history and future of the Zimbabwean dispersion? 

For starters, I think assumptions about the livelihood of Zimbabweans in the diaspora are debunked. This, I anticipate, will lead to an appreciation and empathy towards each other. Secondly, anyone intending to migrate could possibly make better-informed decisions regarding what path to take and what to look out for. Lastly, I hope my contribution will inspire someone to keep dreaming and working to reach their goals, because, there is hope for success.

Briefly describe your writing journey, from how you started to where you are today.

Honestly, I never imagined I would be an author. I literally despised everything literary, but that changed when at 16 years old, I surrendered to reading novels to pass time. I thought it was amazing how words could evoke emotion and discourse. It wasn’t till I was 18 though that I put my first words to paper as an outlet for emotion. I found that I could better articulate and understand my feelings when I wrote. I also began to write to comfort and challenge in the hope of inspiring myself and readers to become our best. A blog https://tahncube.wordpress.com/ was birthed, and then in 2021, I met Samantha Vazhure who was gracious enough to offer me a publishing contract. 

 How do you want your work to be remembered?

I would want my work to be remembered as authentic and surgical.

Would you like to share anything about yourself to help your readers connect with you?

Sure! I am passionate, ambitious and down-to-earth. I am a very good, genuine listener. Consequently, I am not the hero in my writing. The heroes are the people I meet, and the people I hear, who inspire my writing through triumph, failure, pain and the pursuit for more.

Who is your favourite writer and why?

Is it odd if I am a writer without a favourite writer? I am loyal to great writing, and not necessarily to writers. I read everything from business, fiction, lifestyle, current affairs, leadership to academia.

What are your future writing aspirations?

Writing bestselling poetry and a fictional series, I aspire to make reading a joy.

What is your biggest dream?

Besides the above, my biggest dream is to have my work optioned and commissioned for the big screen!

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BRILLIANCE OF HOPE

Editors’ note on Tah's 3 stories:

Elusive Dignity, a well-written account that paints an authentic picture of the journey into the diaspora. Simba’s experience shines light on the xenophobia and racism that Zimbabweans and other immigrants from across Africa face in South Africa. The young man is fortunate to have a friend, TC, who sets him up with a job as a waiter at the restaurant he works for. Simba holds his tongue even when subjected to abuse from colleagues and customers alike, because he has no papers. In true Zimbabwean spirit, he stays resilient and keeps his head down. His friendship with TC is the glue that holds them together through the trials and tribulations of being a foreigner in South Africa. 

Finding Her Voice chronicles an enlightening perspective on the concerns of women in South Africa. The story starts off with a radio interview transcript before getting into the backstory of Mandy who faces a barrage of comments from drivers of the lift service she uses to commute. Upon telling her brother of her ordeal, she sets out to do a short animation, calling out men on their entitlement, and it goes viral on social media. The complicity of other women who enable harassment and normalise the gross behaviour of men is highlighted in Shannon, Mandy’s cousin.  A glimmer of hope through the harassment is Simbarashe, the only driver Mandy recalls treating her with dignity whenever she got a lift from him. 

Dawn tells a heart-warming and inspiring story. Simba meets Mandy by chance at a park. They find familiarity through the struggles of being foreigners in South Africa. Mandy finds a sympathetic ear in Simba who validates her worries that she indeed was harassed and isn’t overreacting. After the writer takes you through the life of Simba seamlessly in Elusive Dignity, to Mandy’s story in Finding her voice, he ends with the two characters connecting in Dawn. This is a tale about friendship, which promises to blossom into deeper intimacy.