Poems by Aziz bin Abdallah

Scope and Content

16 modern poems in KiMvita, dialect of Mombasa; the poems are about popular Swahili culture.

This MS contains a small collection of short poems by Aziz bin Abdallah 'Kiwillo', from Mombasa, dated between 1962 and 1972. The list of poems is as follow: - Sabasi na Siri - Cha Kutu - Mtwaa Wengi Pamoja - Mtu na Tabia Yake - Mgeni Karibu Chai - Wezi - Mwito - Wakeliko Wanawali - Ganda aina Gani? - Lijalo Kuja Kupata - Kula Mbili Moja Weka - Muiza Kondo - Mdigo - Keki - Bibie na Kusia - Nilipi Ulilo Taka? The poems are written in modern KiMvita, which is easily readable, with some influences of KiMrima, southern dialect. The poems discuss various issues of popular Swahili culture. For instance, "Mgeni Karibu Chai" tells of a guest (mgeni) in a household who is given tea (chai) and eggs (mayai), which will give him strength. It also provides information about the properties of tea and how it is made. Or, "Mtu na Tabia yake" tells of the different types of human characters and personalities. And, finally, " Kula Mbili Moja Weka" advises that those in receipt of a salary should always set a sum aside in case of problems or loss of job.

Typescript with black ink on white pages; two pages are respectively yellow and green. All material is contained in a brown open folder within a white envelope.

Administrative / Biographical History

The author is a known poet from Mombasa who provided J. Knappert with poems and information on Swahili poetry.

Access Information

Open

Acquisition Information

Gift via Dr. J. Knappert from author, Aziz bin Abdallah, 1 May 1987

Personal Names