Mozambican Poet Reflects on Colonial Legacy and Literary Identity

In a candid exploration of his upbringing, Mozambican poet and journalist Couto reveals his acute awareness of the stark divisions within his "colonial society." Growing up, he was deeply affected by the visible disparities between races and classes, which shaped his understanding of identity. Despite his crippling shyness, Couto found refuge in writing, following in the footsteps of his father, who was also a poet and journalist. He notes that his racial identity often feels irrelevant within Mozambique, only surfacing when he is abroad. Couto's literary journey began with poetry and evolved into novels and short stories after Mozambique gained independence from Portugal in 1975. His work aims to capture the complex dimensions of African life, bridging the gap between the living and the dead, as well as the visible and the invisible. He emphasizes the need for a unique language that reflects the continent's diverse experiences and narratives. The poet expresses concern over the ongoing reliance of African writers on European and American literary standards, which he believes stifles the celebration of Africa's rich cultural heritage. He argues that many writers feel ashamed to embrace their own stories and connections to their ancestors, often seeking validation from foreign influences instead. Couto concludes that true literary resonance comes from recognizing the characters within ourselves, suggesting that the essence of storytelling lies in the shared human experience that transcends borders and cultural divides.