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Cool Lifestyle Writer
Michael MUTUKWA is a man on a mission. The 17-year-old multi-talented poet, inventor, philosopher and graphic designer believes the sky is not the limit as long as there are footprints on the moon. The Glen Norah lad has started his own business of selling personalised poems using his own creativity and innovation.

It’s true when they say, “Some men are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them”.
Mutukwa may not have been born great but he is definitely destined to achieve greatness.

The artiste has a vision of owning a chain of gift shops that produce a wide range of decorated poems targeting both local and international markets. In an interview with Cool Lifestyle, Mutukwa said he wanted to be his own man without relying on his parents.

“I have always been fascinated by poetry since I was in Grade 7 and graphic designing in my junior years in high school. My father being the breadwinner could not afford to pay the school of my choice for me to pursue my A- Level studies and I offered to help paying my fees, that is why I started my own business called TinMike,” he said.

Mutukwa is currently studying A-Level Sciences at Species College in Harare. The confident youngster writes different genres of poems such as love, birthdays, anniversaries, motivational, and cultural totem poems.

“I write a variety of poems that touch every aspect of societal matters that cater for churches, families and those with culture at heart. I can say my surroundings inspire me a lot,” he said.

Despite facing some challenges, Mutukwa said art is his passion and first love.
“A pen and notepad are my best friends. I spend most of my time writing. Lack of resources and exposure are some of the major challenges I face when it comes to expanding my business. I have many customers though some are not honest when it comes to paying,” he said.

To date, Mutukwa has managed to pay for his school fees with the little money he gets from his fledgling business.
“I have managed to sell my pieces and got US$400 per term has helped my upkeep,” he said.

Apart from writing poems, he is planning on taking poetry to another level by inventing a sophisticated electric poem gadget.
Mutukwa showcased his talent at the Harare Agricultural Show where he networked with various people interested in his work.

He has attended various poetry festivals such as National Institute of Allied Arts and Shoko Poetry Festival where he demonstrated his poetic prowess.

“My parents have been very supportive and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. Sometimes I felt like giving up but it was their words of affection and faith that kept me going up to now,” he said.