A Soul Healer
Black Girl Magic
STEPPING INTO HER MUSIC By Basetsana Makhalemele
P
oet extraordinaire JahRose, real name Nthabiseng Jafta, is a soul-builder. Over the years, the anthologist, publisher and curator from Phelindaba in Bloemfontein has worked intensely on her artistic projects speaking to those seeking to hear the voice of truth. She opens a door to her orchestrated life and her world of transitioning. "To be honest I have come to realize that we fall in the path of those who went before us as per our lineages - whether we know it or not. As time passes the veil of self-forgetfulness unveils and it all makes sense why and when things happen the way they do," she says. Suddenly "an introvert’s voice is on the page, that’s how it all started. I just wanted to be heard; more like read,” says the artprenuer who recently graduated from Academy for Women Entrepreneurs sponsored by the U.S Embassy and University of the Free State.
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She completed a management and leadership development course and is currently studying towards a Masters in Creative Writing with Rhodes University. A power move for self-empowerment. Milestones Anyone who has had a glimpse of this shining star over the past few years has seen that JahRose has done tremendous work to build her name and is still doing so. Her work has exposed her internationally, and left a mark in countries, such as China-Beijing, Kunshan and Malawi ‘Mangochi’ just to name a few. "I have so many milestones but China-Beijing and Kunshan ‘poetry and poetics across languages changed my perspectives in so many ways, about the power of translations, publishing, owning my music, creating spaces for your art and going back to school," she affirms.
