This article needs to be updated. The reason given is: reflect most recent novels and published works. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information.(November 2024)
This article is missing information about bibliography. Please expand the article to include this information. Further details may exist on the talk page.(November 2024)
EdD Education, M.A. History, B.A. Mass Communication & Journalism.
Occupation
Scholar Practitioner
Spouse(s)
Mathilda Bwalya Mutale (1987-)
Field Ruwe (born 8 August 1955) is a Zambian-American scholar, media practitioner, historian, and author based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S. Ruwe rose to prominence in 2012 after his article "Hunt for Successor 8: Zambian Intellectuals are lazy" was published in the UKZAMBIANS[1] magazine of January 16, 2012. The article was part of the "Hunt of Successor" series initiated by Ruwe in 2011, following the election of Michael Chilufya Sata as the fifth president of Zambia. Ruwe believed that Sata did not possess the tertiary education required to understand the modernisms needed for Zambia's advancement.
Two days later, on January 18, 2012, Ghanaian-American novelist and blogger Malaka Grant, featured the article on her blog "Mind of Malaka" under a new title "You lazy (Intellectual) African Scum!"[2] Its confrontational tone, expressed through a character designed to embody Western viewpoints, sparked a substantial dialogue regarding the responsibility of the African intellectual class in sustaining poverty and underdevelopment within African countries. It urged the African intelligentsia to transcend mere rhetoric and utilize their expertise for tangible, positive transformation. Its viral impact gained traction on various online platforms and blogs, throughout Africa, its diaspora, and beyond.
The article's candid truthfulness served as the inspiration for the 2017 Kenyan short film "Intellectual Scum,"[3] which brought the viral article to the screen. This adaptation presented the debate to a new audience and rekindled conversations on the topic.
Ruwe triggered another viral reaction with his piece titled "University of Zambia Degrees are Inferior Says UK Home Office," published in the "Lusaka Times" on March 6, 2024.[4]The article was prompted by the UK Home Office's decision to exclude graduates from African universities from the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa, owing to the perceived inferiority of their degrees.[5]The HPI visa aims to attract highly skilled graduates from international universities outside the UK, allowing them to contribute to various sectors, including science and technology. Ruwe's allegation prompted a response in the form of a University of Zambia press statement to staff, academia and the public to “dismiss the contents of the article with the contempt it deserves.” [6]
Ruwe directed his argument to Dr. Yonah Matemba, chair of the Further and Higher Education Forum, Scotland-Malawi Partnerhip at the University of West Scotland, who in his essay published in the "Malawian Nation" edition of 6th April, 2019, stated that Zambian degrees were downgraded to a grade lower in comparison with similar British qualifications, meaning that in accordance with the UK-NARIC National Academic Recognition Information Centre comparability, UNZA bachelor’s degrees in medicine, engineering, and law were comparable to the three-year British Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree standard.[7]
In an attempt to clarify the issue further, Zambia's Higher Education Quality Assurance (HEQA) expert and UNZA Dean of Faculty Dr. Orleans Mfune admitted there was a technical hitch in the UK-NARIC that was already been addressed, stating; “Explicit in the new framework is the introduction of “A” level certificate as the requirement to University level education while “O” level certificate will be for college entry…this harmonizes our higher education system with both the UK and South Africa.”[8]Following this incident, Ruwe has emerged as perhaps the most notable critic of the University of Zambia.[9]
Early life and education
Ruwe was born in Wusakili Hospital, Kitwe,[10]Zambia,[11] formerly Northern Rhodesia,[12] on 8 August 1955, the son of a civil servant and Methodist lay-preacher Jeremiah Aaron Mukozya Ruwe (1910-1986), and his wife, Rachel (née Mbizi) (1913-2004) a Sunday School teacher. Jeremiah was Officer-in-Charge of the Public Works Department for Chingola[13] and Chililabombwe.[14] His job required the family to move from Kitwe and resettle in Chililabombwe, and then Chingola where Ruwe was raised.
Between 1962 and 1967, the Ruwe family lived at 1587 Maiteneke, Chingola,[13] where he attended grades 1 through 6 at Maiteneke Primary School. In a brief memoir published in the "Lusaka Times" on August 10, 2025, to commemorate his 70th birthday, Ruwe recounts how, at the age of 12, he sang alto in the adult ensemble of the Chiwempala Church Choir, stating, "I sang passionately about themes of heaven, brimstone, and fire, pouring my heart and soul into each song. The ululations filled me with a sense of redemption."[15] This, he believes marked the beginning of his interest in communication.
In 1968, the family relocated to 12 Luapula Road, Chikola B, within the Maiteneke vicinity, and later to 10 Nile Road, Twin Rivers, a white residential neighborhood, adjacent to Kabundi East. Ruwe transfered to the predominantly white Chingola Primary School,[16] and joined the all white church choir as well as the Boys Brigade at St. Marks Church. In his memoir he writes, "John Ovey, the pianist at St. Marks UCZ Church, spotted my talent and invited me to join the church choir, making me the first black member. It was here, at the age of 17, that the stars shone brightly. My destiny was drawn to a microphone positioned on John Ovey’s piano. It fueled my passion and sparked a fire in the dry wood that lay stacked and waiting for flames on the forest floor of my fate and destiny. I had sung into that microphone; I had addressed large audiences through it and was no longer held back by doubts and fears. I was ready to embrace my true calling as a broadcaster, so that I could lead people towards a happier tomorrow."[17]
In 1969, Ruwe was selected to attend Chikola Secondary School.[18]Ruwe has said that it was at Chikola he cultivated his sense of humor, inspired by the 1968 film The Party[19]starring Peter Sellers, and the 1968 album "200 MPH."[20] by "Bill Cosby". According to some accounts, Ruwe began to spend a lot of study time entertaining his classmates with his imitation of Indian teachers. Upon completing Form 2 and Form 3, his English teacher, Mr. Laloo, informed him that he had achieved one of the highest scores in English. However, he expressed concern that Ruwe was becoming more playful with each subsequent year. He did not perform well at Chikola. With a GEC Division 3 qualification, he transferred to Matero Boys Secondary School in 1974, where he achieved a Division 2.
From 1975 to 1995, Ruwe emerged as a prominent figure in Zambia's radio and television industry, as well as a successful entrepreneur. In 1996, he and his family moved to Boston, USA, following the awarding of a scholarship by the World Health Organization (WHO) to his wife Mathilda, who was the Director of Public Health at the Lusaka City Council,[21] enabling her to study Public Health at Boston University in Massachusetts, U.S. Wishing for a tertiary education, Ruwe enrolled at The New England Institute of Art in 1997, and obtained an Associate of Science degree in Broadcasting. In 2000, he transferred his credits to Suffolk University in Downtown Boston, where he studied for a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication and Journalism.
Ruwe's stay at Suffolk was cut short when his wife Mathilda took a position in 2005 as a Research Associate at the Central Valley Health Policy Institute, an auxiliary of Fresno State (California State University, Fresno). He transferred his grades to Fresno State and continued with his studies in Mass Communication and Journalism and worked part time as Producer/Reporter for Valley Public Radio (KVPR FM89.3), an affiliate of National Public Radio (NPR).[22] He also worked as a student-reporter for various Mid-Valley Publishing Inc.[23]newspapers within the San Joaquin Valley in central California. The papers included "The Sanger Herald," "Orange Cove & Mountain Times," "The Fowler Ensign," "The Reedley Exponent," "The Madera Tribune," and the "Tulare Advance-Register".
At the end of the 2007 Fall Semester, Ruwe was presented with the most stories by a student reporter award and was conferred membership in the Kappa Tau Alpha, a national honor society in Journalism and Mass Communication, in recognition of excellence in scholarship. He was also admitted to the “Golden Key International Honour Society” a member club that recognizes college students solely on the basis of their academic achievements. Well known honorary members include US President Bill Clinton, General Colin Powell, Astronaut John Glenn and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. In 2008, Ruwe graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Commuication and Journalism and proceeded to Fresno Pacific University were he obtained a master’s degree in History.
Ruwe holds a Doctor of Education degree (EdD) in Organizational Leadership from Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., obtained in 2019. He earned a pass with distinction in the defense and revision process of his dissertation titled "Demystifying African American entrepreneurial gap: a phenomenological approach".[24]
Career
1974–1979: Zambia Broadcasting Services
A week following his graduation from Matero Boys’ Secondary School, Ruwe commenced his career in broadcasting at the age of 19, taking on the role of a technical operator (program recordist) for the national broadcaster, Zambia Broadcasting Services (ZBS).[15] His responsibilities encompassed the recording of liberation programs intended for the External Service radio broadcasts, which utilized a 50KW transmitter to reach audiences across Southern Africa. Among the programs he recorded were "Radio Freedom," [25] produced by the African National Congress (ANC), "The Voice of Namibia"[26] by the Southwest African People’s Organization (SWAPO), and the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Voice. Interviews were conducted with exiled leaders residing in Zambia, including Oliver Tambo from the ANC, Joshua Nkhomo, James Chikerema, and Joe Modise from ZAPU, Herbert Chitepo from ZANU, and Samu Nujoma from SWAPO.
In his birthday memoir Ruwe write; The pivotal moment arrived in 1976. I was 21 years old and had slightly more than a year of experience in my new job as a technical operator at the national broadcaster, Zambia Broadcasting Services. Monica Spanton, the producer of Sanyo Hit Parade, had requested that I create a demo of the program at DB studio. Upon entering the booth, I was greeted by the sight of a quiet microphone waiting for the voice of the man on trial. I sat shoulders back, chin up, waited for a cue from recordist Peter Musungilo, then spoke: “This is DJ Cool, captain of the air, Field Ruwe, I am here to put pleasure into your leisure,” the microphone crackled, and a tune punctuated by pops and static echoed through serene terrene and thumped from the studio speakers with ecstasy. Hereon, I was not only an ardent listener, but also a broadcaster.[15] Ruwe developed his on-air personality with monikers like “Captain of the Air” and “Man with the longest queue in town, used each time he featured an eclectic selection of whatever sort of music struck his fancy. He soon found himself inundated with correspondence from listeners requesting their preferred songs.
In the same year, Ruwe launched Zambia's first television comedy sketch show titled "Tiyende Pamodzi Comedy Show," aping the BBC format of "The Two Ronnies"[27] broadcast on Television Zambia in the early 1970s. It showcased the comedic duo of Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett. Ruwe's cast included him (Thinron) and Thomas Shoniwa (Fatson). Like The Two Ronnies, the program consistently commenced at the news desk with the two actors portraying newsreaders, delivering humorous news segments. Following the success of the comedy program, the Acting Controller of television Bruno Mweene moved Ruwe to television to concentrate on the comedy program and also produce “Play for Today” a weekly drama program. In 1979, he resigned from ZBS and ventured into commercial radio and television production, getting sponsorship from various companies nationwide.
1980–1981: Voice of Kenya, Nairobi
In 1980, Ruwe moved to Nairobi, Kenya, where he produced a comedy show on the Voice of Kenya television titled "Come What May," featuring himself as the disastrous-prone Dafurao. The program was a sketch show crossed with a sitcom. It also included a duo of him and Rashpal Panesar reading a spoof of news. It is believed that Ruwe was the first to introduce locally produced English comedy on the Voice of Kenya television. Ruwe also performed radio continuity duties on VOK's General Service. He narrated various scripted programs and presented "Jazz Hour."
Ruwe returned home in 1982. In recognition of Ruwe’s work in television, The British Council, Lusaka Office, sent him to the BBC Television Center, at White City, London, 101 Wood Ln, London W12 7FW, UK, to attend a course in television production. At the center he sat in the booth and watched British bands perform their best songs, including Boy George “Do you really want to hurt me” and Musical Youth “Pass the Dutchie.” During his time at the center, he was extended an offer of life membership in the BBC Club. He was then moved to the BBC Open University Production Center, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes where he trained in television production in education and development (September-December, 1982).
1985-1996: Private Sector
Upon his return to Zambia in 1985, Ruwe and renowned actress Matilda Malamamfumu Tutu founded Rutu Advertising & Entertainment Agency a multifaceted organization focused on media advertising and entertainment. The company gained significant recognition for its radio and television commercial ads and programs. Between 1985 and 1996, Ruwe scripted and hosted various radio programs like “The Road” sponsored by World Bank and produced by the "National Roads Board," "Money Matters" by Bank of Zambia, “Zamseed Half Hour” by Zambia Seed Company, and parastal companies under the auspices of INDECO group of companies.
Television Zambia
Ruwe presented the game show “Take Your Pick” [30]both on radio and television. During the game, contestants would answer a series of questions without using the words yes or no in what was known as the "Yes-No Interlude". If they inadvertently used a 'yes' or a 'no' in answering a question, they would be disqualified. He also presented "The Tourist" sponsored by Zambia National Tourist Board, and various Christmas specials and festive musicals featuring local and international entertainers.
Secretary of the Year Contest 1984-1996
Also of major success was the “Secretary of the Year" annual contest, first staged in August 1984. The contest showcased outstanding secretaries from various regions of the country and garnered attention from both the private sector and parastatal organizations, including Bank of Zambia, Zambia National Commercial Bank, and Zambia Railways.
Rute Car Hire
In 1988, Malamamfumu left RUTU and the compnay name changed RUTE Limited with RUTE CAR HIRE as its subsidiary. His decision to venture into car rental business was as the result of “The Tourist” television weekly program of which he was the presenter. Using proceeds from Secretary of the Year, coupled with loans, Ruwe bought 11 vehicles to meet the diverse needs of tourists and business travelers, and to take advantage of the booming tourism industry.
Radio Mulungushi (Radio Four) DJ of the Year
Ruwe was one of Zambia’s top disc jockeys selected to launch Zambia’s first commercial channel Radio Mulungushi (Radio 4) on Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC). The station was opened by Zambia’s Prime Minister Kebby Musokotwane. Ruwe’s regular shift of 2pm-6pm Sunday, gained most popularity. At the end the channel’s first year, President Kenneth Kaunda presented Ruwe with a trophy for the overall Best DJ of the year. In 1996, Rute Limited closed its door to the public following Ruwe’s relocation to the United States.
1996-to date: United States of America
Africa Center (USA), 305 Newbury Street, Boston, MA
Ruwe's move to Boston coincided with Congressman Jim McDermont's idea of a middleware for African business that became known as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a U.S. trade preference program designed to promote economic growth and development in sub-Saharan Africa by providing duty-free access to the U.S. market for most exports from eligible countries. [31][32] To support the initiative, Ruwe founded Africa Center USA and travelled to Lusaka, Zambia to register the organization. The headquarters of Africa Center was at 305 Newbury Street, Boston. The newly established Lusaka office, on Independence Avenue, was operational for only three months before its CEO misappropriated the company's funds, severely hindering its operations, resulting in the shutdown of both the U.S. and Zambian offices.
Current Life
In 2012, Ruwe and his family returned to Massachusetts and settled in Cambridge. Between 2012 and 2015, he served as a Public Relations Consultant for the Youth and Family Enrichment Services, Inc. (Yofes) [33] a Hyde Park-based predominantly Haitian-American non-profit that runs Youth Builders programs in the Greater City of Boston. Ruwe was tasked with the job of building and enhancing the image of the organization by developing and implementing strategic communication plans. He served Yofes until 2016 when he entered Northeastern University to pursue a doctoral degree in education. Since his graduation in 2019, Ruwe as a scholar affiliated with Northeastern University, serves as a Doctoral Dissertation Coach in his personal capacity. His role involves assisting doctoral candidates in discovering more effective strategies for writing their dissertations, enabling them to complete the process more swiftly and with reduced stress levels.
Personal life
Ruwe is married to Mathilda Bwalya Ruwe a medical doctor and research scientist. He is the father of three children, Thembinkosi, Dalitso (Dr. Dalitso Ruwe) and Rachel (TY) Ruwe.
Achievements
RUWE CLOSE
Ruwe is among the few Zambians to have a street named after them while living. In 2020, Lusaka City Council named a cul-de-sac (a street or passage that is closed at one end) RUWE CLOSE in the Mass Media Complex that houses Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) in recognition for his work in both the electronic and print media.
DOCTORAL DEGREE AT 64
In 2019, Ruwe bagged his Doctor of Education (EdD) at the age of 64 after going through many challenges. His articles show how a doctorate offers not only prestige and personal fulfillment, but also critical thinking that contributes to the collective body of knowledge.
NEW YORK TIMES CITATION
On October 30, 2014, the New York Times cited Ruwe's article "Biolography of Michael Chilufya Sata President of Zambia following his passing. The article titled "Zambia's Acerbic Leader, Michael Sata Dies at 77 by Alan Cowell and Jeff Gettleman quoted Agence France-Presse: "Michael Chilufya Sata was born on July 6, 1937, in Mpika, in the north of the country, which was then under the British rule and was known as Northern Rhodesia. He had scant formal education, and at one point joined a seminary intending to become a priest, according to a Zambian historian, Field Ruwe."[34]
Zambian Intellectuals Are Lazy a.k.a. ou Lazy (Intellectual) African Scum
Ruwe's article dated January 13, 2012, was met with widespread critical acclaim. In countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia, Liberia, Angola, Senegal, Ethiopia, Botswana and South Africa, presidents and political leaders, some who had read the article, and acknowledged in their speeches, recognized that the only way forward was through homegrown science and technology. Some of the brightest and innovative minds took up the challenge, and with that, a technology revolution had begun.
Intellectual Scum (Movie)
Intellectual Scum was screened in three continents across the globe, critics across the east African region plod it as being the most successful short film in the history of film in Kenya. The film won a Judges Choice Award at the 2015 Slum Film festival, Kenya.[5] It was nominated for the Best Feature by a student award at the Kalasha Film and Television awards 2015, Kenya.[6] and also screened at the 2015 Africa international film festival and the 2015 Nigeria (Student shorts film category).[7]
Screened at the following festivals thus far:
1. Silicon Valley African Film Festival 2015, CA, USA. 2. Film Africa 2015, United Kingdom. 3. Africa international film festival, 2015. Nigeria - Student shorts - screened.[3] 4. Africa Film Festival "Out of Europe" in Cologne/Germany. 5. Cork Africa Film festival 2015, Ireland. 6. Afrika Film festival 2016, Belgium. 7. Luxor African film festival 2016, Egypt. 8. Cameroon International Film Festival, 2016. 9. Out of Africa Film festival 2015, Kenya. 10. The Zanzibar International Film Festival 2015. 11. Slum Film festival, 2015. Kenya - Judges Choice Awards -*Winner-[4] 12. Golden Diana awards, 2015. Austria 13. Kalasha Film and Television awards 2015, Kenya.-Best Feature by a student- Nominated [5]
Awards and Honors
Best Radio DJ in Zambia – Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation
Delta Alpha Pi Society – Suffolk University
Delta Alpha Pi Society – Suffolk University
Kappa Tau Alpha- California State University, Fresno
Phi Alpha Theta-Fresno Pacific University
Bibliography
Non-Fiction
Demystifying African American Entrepreneurial Gap: A Phenomenological Approach. A doctoral thesis presented to the Graduate School of Education in partical fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the field of Education. Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts. June 24, 2019
The History of Technology and Innovation: Developement of Radio- Broadcasting Technology in Africa. A Master's presented to the faculty of Fresno Pacific University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Master of Arts Degree. May 2010.
↑ Pelekamoyo, J (2017). "The Effect of an Electronic Data Capture and Records Management System on a School's Administration and Management". The Journal of Multi-Disciplinary Research: 80–116. ISSN3471-7102.
↑ Sellers, Peter. "The Party". IMDB. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
↑ Cosby, Bill (9 April 2018). "200 MPH". The Serious Comedy. Retrieved 25 August 2025.
↑ Lusaka City Council. "Lusaka City Council". Lusaka City Council. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
