Published by the government of Zimbabwe
7 May 2008
editorial
Harare — Ngugi wa Mirii was an artist, arts activist and communicator who inspired individuals and entire communities to understand the world around them and to use this knowledge in improving their lives.
He had a warm heart and a large personality that would illuminate a room or any gathering of people.
His presence was always felt, even when behind the scenes, and though this presence is now lost to us, those whom he touched will continue to be inspired by his life and work, and their interaction with him.
His friendly personality and worldview enabled him to work with everyone, from grassroots communities and workers, business executives, international agencies and political leaders.
His message never wavered, regardless of whom he was speaking to.
He was comfortable in his skin and proud of his African heritage, challenging other artists to fulfil their responsibilities to inform and motivate.
He was full of ideas and commitment for the advancement of Africa and Pan-African ideals.
Ngugi had a vision of regional and Pan-African integration through trade, cultural exchange, free movement and total realisation of African unity.
A dynamic facilitator and presenter, he used his creative and theatrical skills to get his message across, thus merging with his audience so they could see what he was seeing.
He used those agilities to contribute significantly to the development of Zimbabwe, Kenya and Africa over the past 30 years, especially in arts and culture, community theatre and media.
"Whether you knew him for a few minutes, a few weeks or a few years, you will have gained something from the encounter that you can use and build on," said one of his friends.
Workshop participants who met him in February this year spoke of his vitality and creativity, adding that "he was full of energy and knowledge."
Ngugi's death has robbed us of this energy and personality, and his lively discussions, but death cannot take away his ideas and creativity, and inspiration can continue to be drawn from his life and work.
His dedication, commitment and clarity were motivational factors which still had potential to deliver for years to come.
Now that role will have to be played by others.
Ngugi was killed in a car accident on May 2 when his small car hit an unmarked lorry parked along Enterprise Road near Glenara Avenue in Harare.
As a culture worker and artist, writer, playwright, and film-maker, Ngugi wa Mirii encouraged personal introspection and dynamic thinking which he hoped would contribute to African unity through social and cultural ideas.
"The musicians must of necessity compose lyrics that not only entertain but should educate and inform, the playwrights must dramatise the drama of life, journalists should report without fear or favour. Novelists, actors, film-makers are called upon to shed light through historical analysis," he wrote.
"Some of us might argue and say that, it is political, I do not want to take sides, oh let's watch and see, oh no if I voice my true point of view the donor community shall see me as a radical. Others might even fear losing business, their jobs and or future opportunities.
"We must as artists in the African continent explain artistically what is going on. As the so-called salt of the earth in our communities, we must stand and be counted on the side of the people."
Ngugi's communication and messages were shared with rural and urban communities, and international audiences.
His political awareness and knowledge of national, regional and pan-African issues and interest was of particular significance as Africa searches for peace, unity of purpose and diplomatic solutions.
Among "work in progress" was his involvement in the "search for the possibilities of breaking the impasse between Britain and Zimbabwe."
Ngugi wa Mirii wrote, directed and published more than 30 plays on a wide range of topics including history, relationships, environmental issues, land reform, gender violence, and HIV and Aids.
He also produced and directed plays by other authors, including his mentor Ngugi wa Thiong'o, one of Africa's literary giants.
His most prominent work is Ngaheeka Ndeenda/I Will Marry When I Want, co-authored with Ngugi wa Thiong'o.
Some other notable titles include Zunde raMambo, a play about traditional drought mitigation approaches in Zimbabwe which played to large audiences in rural communities in four provinces; Mvura Naya Naya, a dance drama based on the African tradition of praying for rain; and Oracoza, about the need to protect rivers and share the sources of life-giving water, both plays performed to international audiences at the World Water Forum in The Netherlands.
Ngugi had a wide range of knowledge and experience, and undertook consultancies in development communication, theatre arts and film making, adult education and training, writing and editing, participatory research and evaluation, design and direction of artistic productions on stage or electronic media, and civic, human rights and political education through drama.
He wrote numerous academic papers mainly on education and development, culture and international relations, presented at gatherings or published in journals.
He was a commentator on contemporary and current affairs, and a regular contributor in newspapers and electronic media. He produced two feature films, "Exile" and "Secrets", the latter winning the Best Screenplay at the annual Nama awards in Zimbabwe. Ngugi recently shot a documentary entitled "Children of the Highlands" on the plight of orphaned children in Chimanimani.
He read voraciously and encouraged his children to read. Ngugi wa Mirii was born at Limuru, Kenya in 1952. Shortly after completing his studies at the Institute of Adult Education, University of Nairobi, he joined the Institute of Development Studies as senior research assistant, and worked with Professor Ngugi wa Thiong'o as a co-ordinating director of Kamirithu Community Education and Cultural Centre, a participatory community development centre.
He moved to Zimbabwe in 1982, and joined the Zimbabwe Foundation for Education with Production. Ngugi later founded the very successful Zimbabwe Association of Community Theatre whose core business revolved around training of theatre artists. He was a founder of Visions of Africa, and the Southern Africa Theatre Initiative, successor to the Southern Africa Performing Arts Network. He was a founder of the Zimbabwe International African Dance Ensemble, and the International Community Theatre College, as well as a former Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Independent Film Makers' Trust, and the Zimbabwe Writers Book Machine.
He was Editor/Publisher of Kimaathi Publishing House, and Director of the KenZim Cultural Centre. He had served on the board of New Ziana and was a commissioner on the Media and Information Commission. Ngugi worked with local churches right up to the World Council of Churches, and he worked with many international agencies including the UN and regional economic, cultural, educational and research organisations.
Ngugi wa Mirii is survived by his wife, Wairimu, who is also an artist, his family of two sons, two daughters and a grand-daughter as well as his parents in Kenya, now both in their 80s, four sisters and a brother, and the rest of his extended family, including limitless friends and colleagues.
Funeral arrangements are pending but he will be buried at his birthplace in Kenya. A memorial service will be held in Harare today, at the Roman Catholic Cathedral in Fourth Street.
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