Mutendei Nabutete: Bringing African Mythology to the Table

Photo credit: John Triffo

Mutendei Nabutete is the author of Poetry Express, IdeaBankisms and upcoming African mythology adventure story, Shadow Kings: The Glory of Kings. He is a multi-faceted and talented Spoken Word Artist, Poet, Author, Playwright and Speechwriter who is dedicated to expressing and promoting the power of literary expression. Hear his journey as a self-published storyteller.

Tell us about your first two publications?
My first official book published was "The Poetry Express: What would I want to be?" which was a very successful intellectual and retrospective collection of poetry, adopted as a course text in York University in one of their sociology classes. The IdeaBankisms, was my second book released as an audiobook at the Ideology of Art launch event, comprising a collection of idioms and sayings that covers modern life, written in conjunction with the author Huey Markus.

Your third book is called, Shadow Walkers: The Glory of Kings. What inspired you to write this?
I believe that art, just like the work we do in everyday life must make a positive difference. In Western media we have an abundance of Eurocentric characters and mythology, but little representation of Afrocentric mythology despite the huge abundance of cultural legends and history.  In writing Shadow Walkers I wanted to expound upon the subjects of mythology and fantasy adventure from a predominately African perspective and create what I believe is the first of its kind; an historic mythological adventure story, rooted in past and modern times. 

Shadow Walkers is an adventure story, which is a departure from your previous publications; is this the type of books you have always wanted to write and why?

It is a departure from my other work as I always want to challenge myself as well as provide something new to the audience and connect to different fan bases. I wanted to write Shadow Walkers for sometime now and it has been a work in progress over the last three years. When I grew up in Kenya I was exposed to fantastic culture and legends, but today I see none of them represented on the same level as sagas like Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones and others, even though they definitely deserve to be. This was my main drive in getting Shadow Walkers to where it is today.

What’s been the hardest part about publishing your books?

The hardest part about publishing my books has been two things; costs, as well as getting them to the right audience and having them embrace it.

What’s been the best part about publishing your books?

I am going to answer that with a segment from one of my poems, Why I write!

"Consider the fact that you can hold a book in your hands, but how would you do the same with your oral history?" 

Any publication that you have put your mind, heart and soul into is an accomplishment and an add-on to history.

Any advice for those who are also trying to publish their work?

Don't quit; fight through any writer’s block and remember sometimes you have to bring the mountain to people for them to see it!   

How can people get a copy of your book?
The book is available as an e-book on amazon.com/kindlebooks, which is being updated this week. Printed copies will be available after October 17th.

You also have a launch event coming up, can you tell us a bit about that?

The launch event is named after the book; Shadow Walkers: The Glory of Kings, and it will feature several performers representing characters from the book, as well as their own artistic talents. It will be hosted by Jahte Le and take place at The 8.0.5 Studio, inside Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd. It will be an exciting show with a red carpet and interviews and not to be missed!

Ways to get in touch with Mutendei:

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/574642169325985/

Twitter page: @maknproductions

Website: www.maknproductions.com

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Lance Constantine: The Building of a Legacy

ONE ON ONE WITH LANCE CONSTANTINE

At just 25 years old, first and foremost Lance Constantine is a motivational speaker, which he has been doing for over five years. It has been his passion to have a "voice for the voiceless" as well as training others to do what he does through Speakers University (Speakers Academy), which he founded back in March 2012. Although the business was established in 2012, the idea of ‘Speakers University’ started in late 2011.

His message to his students and audience members is “I AM REVOLUTION.”  This is also the title of his book, which he describes as an “empowerment tool written in a poetic format.” Through these poems in the book “one can discover identity, true purpose, and also the restoration of what it looks like to operate as a righteous nation.”

From speaking with Constantine it is evident that he is really striving to do something great, which he equates it to being a part of his DNA.

While growing up he had a lot of contributors along the way, which he gives credit as helping him to be the man that he is today. A significant part of Constantine’s life has been Marco Constantine, his father. His dad diligently spoke to him about the family lineage, the power of his last name and its legacy left by his forefathers. The name “Constantine means to be firm in purpose” and his family is very purpose-driven, including his grandfather who was the very first councillor in his region (during the 1940s, 1950s). He had helped people in the community of St. Elizabeth area down in Jamaica.

Overall leadership is very important in his family. In fact, his uncle bought a book for Lance in New York (the last edition) and it accounts for the history of the Constantine family going back to the 10^th century. Lance is trying to carry on the legacy of his forefathers.

Lance also accredits his mentor Johnnie Williams III (brother to former Toronto Raptors Jerome “Junkyard Dog” Williams) who was like a big brother to Lance (although Lance also has an older brother). It was very encouraging that “someone of that calibre” saw something in Lance when he was on a guest panel a few years back.

He also looks up to the way his Pastor Orim Meikle carries himself. Constantine finds that he mainly works with a lot of young males, which parallels to the fact that he had a lot of male figures in his life. Constantine having mentors growing up “springboards” back to him giving to the community through his powerful speaking.

Not everyone who writes can speak well and vice versa, but Lance has managed to conquer both. “I love to write, especially poetry,” he says, but he also enjoys writing stories and fables. In college he averaged a 92% in his English classes.

Lance Constantine

Lance Constantine preparing for his Speakers University seminar

Lance in action

Constantine speaking to a group of the young leaders of tomorrow

One of his poems, “I Am Revolution” entitled after the book, was written in 30 seconds in 2009 when he suddenly awoke in the middle of the night. Within two months he wrote a total of 70 pieces. He notes that he works off of inspiration.

“If I am inspired I can get a lot done.” His first book, “I Am Revolution” is also an audio book. The book comes with the audio, which includes sound affects that he jokingly calls the “Cineplex sound.”

After writing his poems in 2009, he was able to release the book in August 2012 through self-publication. It took time because he wanted to get it right, with the right team of editors and illustrators behind him. He also found a printer company that was recommended to him by others he has worked with. He released his book the same time he did a conference in Ottawa.

Writing and printing a book are great achievements in and of itself, but there are other parts of publishing a book that are quintessential to its success. One of which is distribution. “Distribution is key,” he says, which currently his books are mainly being distributed through his audiences, but he is working on other channels to get the book out there.

Constantine highly recommends getting exposure through media outlets, especially daytime TV shows on Rogers, Omni, CityTV etc. “Or if you already have a good following, [have] a media outlet come [out] to cover you [and help] to get the book out there.”

He also encourages authors to accompany their book(s) around a community initiative and to put a purpose behind their book. “Change the paradigm of the concept of releasing books,” he advises.

For a lasting legacy as a writer he wants his “words to […] ignite a sense of purpose through them […] so that they can carry on the speed of change in their generation.” He wants his audience, students and readers to become the change agent and to become a trailblazer and that they will be inspired in the mind to think differently.

As a speaker and just an overall human being he desires to “reconnect and build a generation through God [and] to inspire people into purpose. [To] inspire a historical move [so] that they can become history changers in their time [and] so that they can aspire to be different. It’s almost like becoming green circles in a orange world […] they stand out [because] there is something unique in them.”

Currently his book, “I Am Revolution” is available at Accents Bookstore (locally in Toronto).

You can find Lance on:

Twitter: @_LConstantine

Facebook: Lance Constantine

www.lanceconstantine.org

Twitter: @AcademySpeakers

Facebook: Speakers Academy International

www.youth-speakers.com

Know Your History Celebration 2014

Check out the first annual Know Your History Celebration coming up on Feb 23, 2014!

For tickets and more details be sure to check out https://www.uponastarbooks.ca/KYHC.html!

The first annual Know Your History Celebration 2014!

New GTA Book Tour

Very exciting news to share! I will be joining several authors Josephine Casey, Mutendei Nabutete, Matthew L Taylor and Robert Mulolo on a GTA (Toronto) area tour. The GTA Book Tour actually stands for Great Toronto Authors, and of course plays on the idea that we will be heading out across the GTA. 

Our first stop is going to be at the Magic Oven located at 360 Queen St. E. Just in time for the holidays we will be having a kick off celebration on December 5 at 7pm, which will include live performances and entertainment. 

Looking for more details on the GTA Book Tour?
Check out the official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/GTABookTour, Twitter handle: @GTA_AuthorsLive, or email greattorontoauthors@gmail.com for inquiries!

Until next time ~

Updates!

My book is now available at Another Story Bookshop located at 315 Roncevalles, Toronto!
If you're in the area stop by and get your copy!

On Sunday, September 29, I was a guest speaker at Canadian Small Business Women's Networking: Author Edition. This was hosted by +Dwania Peele and +Josephine Casey. I had a great time and was able to give input to aspiring authors on self-publishing. I received a lot of positive feedback and definitely would like to do more speaking on that topic.

On October 20, 2013 I will be hosting a pop-up shop, called "Think in Pink Shop." This event will be raising funds for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario region. People can purchase tickets at thinkinpinkshop.eventbrite.ca!

Twitter: #ThinkInPinkShop!

Facebook: Facebook.com/thinkinpinkshop

ON CHRY TODAY!

I've got some exciting news: check me out today on www.chry.fm! I'll be on the radio program 'Covered & Bound' at 4pm! This gives me an amazing opportunity to talk about my first children's book "What If the World Had No Colour?"

I'll post pictures later today!

September Round Up

September is looking to be another great month.

On September 9th I had a wonderful opportunity to be a part of the Ryan Chisim Charity Golf Tournament. At this event I gave away two copies of my book, along with a bag of goodies. This was the 2nd annual event, in support of the Ryan Chisim Charity which goal is to "help raise awareness and funds for continued research regarding a type of Brain Stem Cancer called Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma"(https://www.facebook.com/RyanChisimCharity/info).

Up next is the Nikki Clarke Seminar: Saying No and Letting Go, held on September 17th. I will also be a sponsor at that event!

On September 26th I will also be a vendor at The Nikki Clarke Show Launch Party.

On September 29th I will be one of the guest speakers for Networking: The Authors Edition. I will have the chance to talk to aspiring authors about going the route of self-publishing. This event is being organized by Canadian Small Business Women. 

This month I will also publish an interview that I had with the amazing Lance Constantine right here!