By Problem Masau|Finally, I got the copy of Flashback Identity after waiting for more than a year for the book to be translated from Swedish to English.

The book is an intriguing journey of life, its ups and down through the lenses of one Luckson Chikutu who the world have come to know as Manluckerz.

After reading the book I tossed with the idea, why the title Flashback Identity?
It is indeed a “Flashback” of his life. The author adopts a not so easy writing style transcending from his personal life to the cultural norms of the Shona people.

Manluckerz is awed by the vastness of the cultural heritage conveyed during his life thus far. He believes that if you want to find your identity, the best way is by embracing and knowing your roots.

The book is like a combination of “Nkomo: The story of my life” a bibliography written by the late vice President Joshua Nkomo and African Heritage, a history set book used by secondary school pupils.

In Flashback Identity, Manluckerz traces his childhood that had shaped him to be the man he is today. To his credit, the author traces his roots from the time his ancestors moved from South Africa and settled in Zimbabwe’s area of Gutu district.

“My own experiences in life have shaped me and my music at a profound level,” he said on page 27 of the book.

Manluckerz alternates between life’s happy moments and sad ones. He captures the fatal accident that happened during one of his Zimfebi festivals in a captivating yet sad way.

In the book, the author shows that he does not promote African culture in a blinkered way. While he proudly glorifies the issue of totems as one thing that identifies a clan, he also looks at the problems surrounding the issue.

“The totem system is a serious problem for many orphans, especially for abandoned children. People are afraid of being punished by spirits if they violate the rules by bringing children into their families in ways that contrast with those required by totems,” he writes on page 16 of the book.
At some point in the book, the author removes his musical jacket and adopts the roles of family a family advisor- aTete.

“Treat your parents as the most important people in your life. What you sow in life is usually what you harvest. It can give you something good to carry with your life throughout life,” Manluckerz urges children in the book.

The book also traces the history of Zimbabwe, the culture of Shona people, their tradition and dances and can be a useful tool in promoting and preserving the country’s heritage if it can be adopted in schools as a history setbook.