8 min read Mathew Wahome

Fasihi Simulizi (Oral Literature)

Introduction

Fasihi means literature and simulizi means narration. Fasihi simulizi is therefore oral literature: art delivered by word of mouth and performed before an audience. In the Kenyan Senior School CBC (KICD) Kiswahili curriculum, it links language to culture and values. Here the lesson is taught in English with Kiswahili terms glossed.

Features of fasihi simulizi

Spoken and performed, not written
Passed from generation to generation
Audience participates (singing, answering, clapping)
Uses gestures, voice change and props
Often anonymous; belongs to the community
Flexible: a performer can change details

Genres (tanzu)

1. Hadithi / Ngano (narratives): stories such as ngano (folktales), visasili (myths), historia (legends), mighani (tales of heroes) and hekaya (fables). Opening formula: "Paukwa!" - "Pakawa!" ("Once upon a time").

2. Methali (proverbs): short, wise sayings.

Haba na haba hujaza kibaba - little by little fills the measure (save a bit at a time).
Mwenye macho haambiwi tazama - one with eyes isn't told to look (the obvious needs no telling).

3. Vitendawili (riddles): the riddler says "Kitendawili!" and the audience says "Tega!" (set it!).

Nyumba yangu haina mlango - Answer: Yai (an egg).

4. Nahau / Misemo (idioms): e.g. kupiga moyo konde (to be courageous).

5. Nyimbo (songs): lullabies (bembelezi), work songs (nyimbo za kazi), wedding songs (harusi) and dirges (nyimbo za matanga).

6. Maigizo (drama and dance): ceremonial performances and role-play.

7. Mashairi simulizi: oral poems, e.g. ballads and praise poems (sifo).

8. Vitanzu vya ndimi (tongue twisters): e.g. Mchana mkali, mchungaji mchanga, practised for fluency.

Functions

Entertain
Teach morals and values (honesty, hospitality)
Preserve history and culture
Sharpen thinking and memory (riddles)
Criticise wrongdoing
Unite the community

Performance skills

Use clear voice, correct pronunciation, expressive gestures, and involve the audience.

Worked example 1

Explain the proverb "Mchagua jembe si mkulima". Answer: The one who selects a hoe is not a farmer: a good worker does not blame tools. It teaches responsibility and skill over excuses.

Worked example 2

Solve the riddle: Kitendawili! Nina ng'ombe wengi wanalala nje usiku - Tega! Answer: Nyota (stars).

Try it

Write three methali and give meaning and lesson in English.
Create a riddle in Kiswahili with its answer.
Perform "Paukwa, Pakawa" to a partner and tell a short story.
List two functions of oral literature in your community.