Oliver Mtukudzi is dead but the world has hardly begun to skim the surface of his greatness. In this tribute, Stan Mushava flips through the African superstar’s catalogue, looking at how conscientiousness, attachment to heritage and artistic integrity were not only central to the making of the legend but are also the universal mainstays of art.

Following the death of legendary singer-songwriter Dorothy Masuka at 83, Stan Mushava reflects on how she was denied a place both in Rhodesia and South Africa. Similar post-colonial experiences of artists, journalists and activists support the argument that ultimately it must be the role of the African Union and sub-regional bodies to protect free expression, because individual states have narrower minds and temporary interests.

Acclaimed Zimbabwean novelist Charles Mungoshi died on 16 February 2019 after a 10-year fight with a neurological condition. Fellow writers and publishers share their encounters with the African literary giant whose many accomplishments included works of translation, breaking the colonial chokehold on education and co-founding the Zimbabwe International Book Fair.

Zimbabwean soldiers allegedly raped 17 women and brutally assaulted many others during the state crackdown on protests against a 150 percent fuel price increase in January 2019. Government has denied these claims, but legendary writer and filmmaker Tsitsi Dangarembga has weighed in on the side of the alleged victims, while opening up about her own experience.

Zimbabwe is preparing to reintroduce the Literature Bureau to promote the publication of literature in indigenous minority languages.