Zimbabwe is home to a wealth of unique young talents. In an exclusive interview, Charmaine Brown (CB) spoke with Agrippa Ncube (AN), a young writer who recently released his debut book, ‘I am Scars and Stretchmarks.’

CB: In brief, who is Agrippa Ncube and what motivated you to become an author.

AN: Agrippa Ncube is a 28-year-old writer who has mostly written poems; with two poetry anthologies and a novella and this hybrid collection of poems and short story interludes that was officially launched @Kadoma library on Saturday the 5th of April 2025. I started writing in form 3 when I explored poetry. From then I began writing incessantly. A’level literature however sharpened my writing skills and stirred this passion for literature. I would usually write and share my poetry on WhatsApp and I would get feedback that helped me grow.

CB: Can you tell us in brief, the journey behind writing the book ‘I am Scars and Stretchmarks.’

AN: “I Am Scars and Stretch Marks” was originally meant to be a collection of short stories, with adulting at its core. However, after reading the manuscript multiple times, I decided to shelve it. I then began working on poems about adulting. Later, I revisited some of the shelved short stories, and they fit perfectly as interludes within a poetry anthology. This allowed the work to evolve into a hybrid genre of poetry and prose.

CB: I noticed the book was launched recently. How did you feel on the day, and what was the most memorable moment from the event?

AN: The launch was beautiful! The attendees were responsive and engaged. Our guest speaker, Adv. Thabani Mpofu, delivered an inspiring speech that deeply moved the young people from the school we both share a connection with. The guests were passionately involved and that made the day special. I got help from ifamily and friends with the preps for the event and the success gave me the guarantee that it is possible to cultivate a culture of appreciating art in our small town. Pastor Bhasera, a fellow author, delivered a powerful sermonette, Vincent Musah wowed the crowd with his musical genius, and the Advocate wrapped it all up with words that left the audience inspired.

CB: Looking back, what can you say was the most challenging part of writing this book?

AN: The most challenging part, I think, was trying to distance myself from the emotions experienced by the character in my work. The poetry itself was deeply emotional, as it touched on aspects I have personally encountered in my journey into adulthood. I have had my own fair share of scars, and I have rarely perceived them as stretch marks, signs of growth. As a result, the emotional involvement often affected my mood while writing.

CB: What do you hope readers take away from your book?

AN: I hope readers acknowledge their scars, embrace them, and choose to see the growth that comes with the scars. I hope that in the beauty of carefully structured words, they find themselves not stuck in miserable growth, but that they pay attention to the small strides that count. Celebrate small wins and try to focus on the beautiful stretch marks that appear ugly when our perspective is tilted towards negativity. There can be beauty in growth if we search for purpose.

CB: Whats next for you, are there any upcoming projects you are excited about?

AN: I have already started working on something else, I will share more details in due course. I am excited with this new project and I think it will be bigger and way better.

CB: If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring authors based on your experience, what would it be?

AN: I would encourage young authors to be true to themselves. It is important to stay authentic. Just as important is humility; being humble attracts people who can help you grow. It is okay to be vulnerable when you need help; you cannot grow if you do not ask for it. You cannot do it all alone.

CB: Is there anything else you would like to share about your journey.

AN: My journey has been interesting. I believe God has led me this far and I know He has plans to take me further and to help me become useful. More than fame, I seek to be useful, I seek to inspire someone to believe that they can. I am sure I have a story to tell, and I will not stop now.