20 Questions with South African poet and writer, Zaki Mlaba

Zaki Mlaba is a talented young South African who self-published her first collection of poetry, titled Smells like Love and Other Bad Decisions, in 2017.

It was around that time when I met and worked alongside Zaki at an advertising agency in Johannesburg – and I very much wanted to share details about Zaki’s first book back then, but life had other plans for me (sorry Zaki).

Of course, as a copywriter by profession and a poet at heart, it wasn’t long before we could expect her most recent collection of poetry in the form of her second book, Exchanges.

Zaki describes Smells Like Love and Other Bad Decisions as “A love letter to the world. Love is the best and worst decision I’ve ever made and it’s a decision I’ll always do again.”

As a self-described Black and queer experience, Zaki uses the pronouns she/they. Born, raised, and currently residing in Johannesburg; she aims to create work that is intentional, inclusive, and important.

Regarding her second book, Exchanges, she offers that “Love has changed and love has changed me. Through all these changes, I will always believe in love because I am love, and I believe in me.”

Read on to discover more about Zaki and her body of work as well as gain insight into the mind of this talented wordsmith, through our Peaches in the Wild exclusive interview.

A game of 20 Questions with Zaki

1. Would you call yourself a writer, an author, a poet (or maybe all three)?

I think I would call myself a poet who happens to be a writer as well. 

2. Why do you feel this way?

I became a writer through my poetry.

3. Do you view writing as a kind of spiritual practice?

I do. Writing is how I breathe and pray. It’s necessary, calming, and important to my well-being. 

4. Tell us a bit about what your average day entails.

I’m a copywriter by profession. An average day is filled with a few Teams meetings, a brainstorm or two, and I’m mostly at my home office desk writing. 

5. What do you like to do in your spare time?

I mostly like to rest in my spare time, and I like to do different types of rest. Sleeping is my favourite but I also like to decrease my screen time by taking walks and laying on my bed with a good book.

6. What is your ultimate favourite book, and why?

All About Love by Bell Hooks. It’s an eye-opening read and it talks about various forms of love. I think everyone should read this book at least once. 

7. What inspired you to self-publish your first book, Smells Like Love and Other Bad Decisions?

I used to post a lot of my thoughts and feelings on Twitter. These came across as poems. I compiled some of my best poems and I wanted to share it with the world. A sort of love letter to the world. 

8. What motivated you to write your second book, Exchanges?

Dating different types of people brought different emotions in me and I wanted to write about how love has changed, and how it has changed me. 

9. What is the key theme and/or message in both books?

Love – how it changes and how it changes me. 

10. How did your experience of writing the second book differ from the first?

The 2nd book was more themed and focused. The writing process was definitely different from the 1st. 

11. Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?

I want each book to stand on its own, but I want there to be a connection/growth from the 1st to the 2nd 

12. What do you hope people take away from reading your work?

I want people to always remember to believe in love, no matter how it looks like or feels like. 

13. What is the most surprising thing you discovered while creating your books?

I discovered that I could do anything I put my heart and mind into. 

14. If you could tell your younger self anything, what would it be?

Believe in yourself more. The world needs you.

15. What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Just begin. The hardest part is the beginning. So, begin and believe in your writing. 

16. As a creative person, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

A panda. They are soft but tough.

17. What do you consider to be the personal strengths that have helped you achieve who and where you are today?

Finishing what I start and believing in my writing.

18. Where do you draw inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from almost everything. 

19. Who would you consider to be your biggest influences and why?

Toni Morrison – Writing true and honest stories.
James Baldwin – Writing with tenderness.

20. Where can people buy your books?

Directly from me at the moment. Follow me on social media (@zakimlaba) or email zak.mlaba@gmail.com.

Thanks to Zaki for giving us a glimpse into her world! And remember that love never goes out of style – so why not gift one of Zaki’s poetry books to a friend, family member, or even to yourself?

Both books can be ordered and purchased directly from Zaki. To order your copy of either Smells like Love and Other Bad Decisions (R160), or Exchanges (R180), please send Zaki an email: zak.mlaba@gmail.com

For more musings and inspiration, you can follow Zaki on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok: @zakimlaba

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Images provided by Zaki Mlaba
Both books were designed by Tanya van Staden