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Inside/Out with writer, journalist and poet Beaven Tapureta
Kubatana.net
March 07, 2012

Full interview with Beaven Tapureta - Read and listen

Describe yourself in five words.
I haven't found the exact words to describe myself. I always listen to what others say about me. Some people say I'm simple. Others say I'm friendly to them and I like to work with people.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
If you listen and say very little you get more wisdom. Those words guide me in life.

What's the most ridiculous thing you've ever done?
There are so many. When I was growing up in Epworth, my mother was a vendor and she would sell boiled eggs and vegetables at her stall. One day I stole some eggs thinking that they were boiled. Only to find that they weren't when they got crushed in my pocket!

What is your most treasured possession?
My computer. Before that I had a manual typewriter.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
To be misunderstood.

Do you have any strange hobbies?
I don't think so.

What do you dislike most about your appearance?
Nothing.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Books. I like reading and researching local writers. When I see a book that's necessary in my life I buy it.

Interviewer: Who is your favourite local writer?

The late Dambudzo Marechera. Yvonne Vera and Shimmer Chinodya.

What do you have in your fridge?
I don't have a fridge.

What is your greatest fear?
Fear itself. I don't like to be afraid of doing what I'm capable of doing. I don't like to be afraid of winning.

What have you got in your pockets right now?
My wallet, which has got my ID and a flash stick.

What is your favourite journey?
I enjoy travelling to Bulawayo. That's where I found my wife.

Who are your heroes in real life?
I think I've come to love Oliver Mtukudzi. He's done so much for the arts, and established a place where artists can meet and develop.

When and where were you happiest?
When I was nominated for a NAMA in 2009. When I saw the nominees list in the Herald I almost cried. I've always wanted to prove that there was something special inside me.

Interviewer: Do you think awards are important for writers?

They encourage, they reward creativity. Though sometimes I have doubts when money is attached to them. People then work with money in mind.

What is your biggest vice?
I'm not sure.

What were you like at school?
I was very shy, very private in class. To the extent that some teachers were afraid to speak to me.

What are you doing next?
I'm obsessed with WIN's Epworth Community Outreach programme.

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