Kuvaka ukama

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KUVAKA UKAMA – BUILDING BRIDGES explores the connections forged through the work of Flora Veit-Wild, a prominent figure in African literatures. Her advocacy for the modernity of these literatures has significantly impacted scholars and artists alike, shaping her research on surrealism, codeswitching, “new orality,” and various discourses surrounding body, gender, sexuality, madness, and violence. This volume brings together diverse scholarly, literary, and artistic contributions from her friends and colleagues across Germany, Zimbabwe, and beyond. The metaphor of bridges symbolizes the intersubjective connections that transcend differences, with the Shona translation, kuvaka ukama, meaning “building relations.” The contributions reflect Flora's outreach and her ability to form alliances with a wide array of individuals. Her influence on emerging scholars and her substantial contributions to African literature studies, particularly in Berlin, are evident throughout the text. The volume features contributions from notable figures including Anne Adams, Ulrike Auga, Jane Bryce, Chirikure Chirikure, and many others, highlighting the collaborative spirit that Flora embodies in her work and relationships.