By Ashley Dean Misho | Arts and Entertainment Reporter
www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
Harare– John Brian Makorokoto, a 30‑year‑old cook, poet, and emerging novelist, has transformed a childhood marked by adversity into a compelling narrative of resilience and creativity.
Born and raised in a modest township, Makorokoto’s early years were shaped by stark hardship, his father departed when he was in Grade 4, leaving his mother to juggle multiple jobs, most notably plaiting hair for neighbors to make ends meet.
It was during these formative years that his left‑handedness set him apart, attracting unwanted attention and teasing from peers and even some educators who insisted on forcing his right hand—a practice not uncommon in certain Zimbabwean schools.
In a recent interview, Makorokoto reflected on how being left‑handed in a predominantly right‑handed world shaped his identity, how a humble kitchen job fuels his discipline, and how the power of words became his refuge.
“Being left‑handed in a world that often feels made for right‑handers taught me early on to embrace what makes me different.”
Finding solace in chess and literature, he discovered a passion for storytelling that eventually led him to the city‑center stage, where an enthusiastic audience affirmed his voice.
“Words became my refuge, chess my training ground for strategy, and cooking my daily discipline. When I finally stepped onto a city‑center stage and heard the applause, I realized my voice could change lives.”
That pivotal moment occurred at the Harare International Poetry Festival last year, where he recited an original poem titled “Left‑Handed Lament” to a crowd of over 500, receiving a standing ovation and invitations to collaborate with local cultural institutions.
Today, Makorokoto balances his full‑time chef duties at a bustling downtown restaurant with writing his debut novel, Mutapa: The Love Journey, set during the decline of the Great Zimbabwe Kingdom.
The story follows Prince Nyatsimba Mtota on a southward quest, weaving themes of love, resilience, betrayal, and cultural heritage. He explains that the novel is not merely historical fiction but an allegory for contemporary Zimbabwe, drawing parallels between past kingdoms and present‑day struggles for unity and progress.
Despite limited resources and the struggle for local recognition, he remains an advocate for artist unity, urging stakeholders to create supportive platforms.
“Local artists are in a race that isolates us. If we swallow pride, share platforms, and support each other, we can build a thriving Zimbabwean creative economy.”
His autobiography, now serialized on his personal blog and a popular Zimbabwean literary website, has sparked community buzz, prompting calls for more public events and prizes to amplify emerging talent.
He has already been invited to speak at the upcoming Zimbabwe Arts Summit in Bulawayo, where he will moderate a panel on
“Sustainable Creativity in Hard Times.”
Makorokoto also highlighted his daily routine: waking up at 4 AM to prep for the restaurant shift, working an eight‑hour kitchen stint, then dedicating evenings to writing—often composing poetry on napkins during short breaks.
He credits his sister, Charmaine, for keeping his spirits high and his mother’s unwavering belief in his talent as his guiding force.
J.B. Makorokoto’s journey underscores how passion, discipline, and community can transform a kitchen‑hand into a literary voice for the nation, offering hope and inspiration to aspiring writers across Zimbabwe.
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