Poetry Potion 2012.04 (5th Anniversary Edition)

ISSN 2304-8107

2012.04 | mixing it up since 2007...

Celebrating five years of Poetry Potion with Napo Masheane,Andrew Manyika, ProVerb and over 30 poems

ISSN 2304-8107 editor & publisher

duduzile zamantungwa mabaso graphic design & layout

Black Letter Media (Pty) Ltd cover illustration

Bulumko ka Nyamezele All images by Black Letter Media, accept where indicated.

Queries www.poetrypotion.com info@poetrypotion.com PO Box 94004 Yeoville, 2143 Johannesburg, South Africa Published by Black Letter Media (Pty) Ltd Tel: +27 84 386 2613 Fax: 086 606 1565 www.blackletterm.com Poetry Potion is a trademark of Black Letter Media (Pty) Ltd Š Black Letter Media & www.poetrypotion. com. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrievable system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, photocopying or otherwise without prior written permission of the copyright owners, the poets and Black Letter Media (Pty) Ltd. All poets retain the rights to their own. Any copying or sharing of this work for financial gain is infringement of copyright.

Contents editorial 7 five is the magic number

featured poems

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Poetry Potion is Five by Victor Akarachi Nwogu Survive on Poetry potion! by Morula Wa Kutukgolo

poet profile

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Napo Masheane

poetry 20 Seeds and growth by Sihle Ntuli | Growing Bones

by Saaleha Idrees Bamjee | Growing perfection by Indigolunarh | Congo and Cameroons by Tommy Dennis | To my Pain by Gnosis | Plant Seeds and Watch them grow by Victor Akarachi Nwogu | Ndopembera newe by Tinashe Muchuri | When we are One by Kabelo Mashishi | The Delivery Man

by Kabelo Mashishi | A Story of the Mind by Ashraf Booley | Commedia dell’Arte by Charl Landsberg | When its time to let go and grow… by Rose | Progression by Desiree | Men are Like Dresses by Andiswa Onke Maqutu | You and I by Mohamed Sheikh Abdiaziz.

q&a

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Andrew Manyika

the best of Poetry Potion

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afrika without borders by Nyakale Mokgosi | Give ME Love (Cry of a Common Man) by Righteous

the Common Man | Tshegofatso by Tshegofatso Monaisa | One Night Stand by Chisanga Kabinga | We are Kings and Queens by Maikutlo | Stardust

by Nyakale Mokgosi | I heard fame and fashion calling your name by Neo Molefe (shameeyaa) | Letter to those in the democratic republic by Dafa | On Xenophobia by Mandy Mitchel | Celebration by Fathima Dawood | Kiss Me Honestly by Liya Bona | Heritage by Khomotjo Manthata | Lest we forget

by Vuyokazi Yonke | Free by Mapitsane Maila | Let Us Deliver & Change The World! by Ntanjana Sisipho | In times of distress by Keletso Thobega | In Response to the Blood by Elizabeth Wurz | Hymns of Tatane by Reitumetse | Nanúa by Yolanda Arroyo-Pizarro | A Ditty Dance for Dalai Lama by Mbuyiseni Oswald Mtshali | Always a Suspect by Mbuyiseni Oswald Mtshali | Why shed blood for bread? by Morula Wa Kutukgolo | Manifesto by zamantungwa

up&coming 72 Tshepang Oageng, poet Thabiso Matupa, poet

writer’s block

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the dreaded writer’s block

q&a

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ProVerb’s Writers’ Club

contributors

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submission guidelines

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FF “I believe that a poet has an inner eye, a third eye, [that helps them] you see beyond the ordinariness of a person...� ~Perpetual Eziefule-Emenkwum, Poetry Potion 2007

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editorial

five is the magic number I’ve been a storyteller for most of my life. I told stories in the dust with stones and houses drawn on the ground. I told stories when we played house - while insisting on playing the father, I always ‘directed’ which way the story went.

Poetry came to me in high school. English class was fun with Mr Rissi, but the poetry of Shakespeare and all those dead poets of the Romantics era and the Victorian ear never quite hit the spot. It was a sandwich encounter with a homeless person on my way to school one day, that the poem burst out of me. ... He lies on a bed of cardboard and some Plastic with only one dirty, holly blanket To cover him; that don’t bring any Warmth or comfort to him He sleeps though; he’s used to this....

It was from then on that the poetry Muse lived in me. Helping me express the things that I could never express with a twist of a word. A crush on a boy, a frustrating piece of gossip, a crush on a boy, an attempt at understanding my identity, a head over heels crush with a boy... And so it went.

Poetry is almost like the black sheep of the literary family. Poetry is too difficult to understand, it’s too into itself and what’s worse you can make a living writing and selling poetry books... They like telling us not to do it there’s no money in poetry but then again... “... there’s no poetry in money, either.” ~ Robert Graves Poetry Potion started out as a platform inspired by the Staffrider era and also by publications like Timbila Poetry Journal. Poetry Potion has always 7

been about giving poets something more than just a space to have their worked published. But it was also about letting the world know that Poetry doesn’t only come in the form of a dead poet. That poetry came in many shapes and form and that the young of this age, also have something pertinent to say. While we were inspired by the Madingoanes, Serotes, Mtshali’s, Tlalis, Thembas, Mphahlele’s even Mbulis of the era usually termed though not strictly “protest poetry” we too had our own stories to tell and our own opinions to express.

Most importantly, Poetry Potion thought drawing from and inspired by the South African literary landscape, this was an international platform. This still is an international platform. And I have since published poets from as far as Canada and Ireland, Nigeria and Somalia, and all over South Africa. Poetry Potion is read by the world - from South Africa to Morocco, from the UK to France, from the US to the Phillipines.

So, now that the first five years is gone, and it almost ambushed me, I have to think about what the future looks like.

If I could tear myself away from poetry then I think, I could probably grow wings too... Poetry Potion is not a moneymaking scheme it is about, for and by the poets and their poems. It’s about creating a free space for poets known and unknown to be themselves - to entertain, inspire and amaze with their word antics. It’s for poetry lovers to indulge and never have to be sated because there will always be more and it’s all good for you.

It’s a potion, an elixir, a mix, a tonic, a brew ... a magical mind altering journey into the self. Here, there are no gods, prophets or celebs (even though we dabble with it all) but souls open to what all the universe has to offer us.

In this edition, the fifth year anniversary celebration, I spoke to two poets at different places in their careers - the more established and inspirational Napo Masheane and the young, focussed and hilarious Andrew Manyika. We also feature over thirty poems - new and the best of the past five years of Poetry Potion.

We also feature two Q&As with up and coming poets from Kuruman interviewed by our new contributor, Nthabiseng Kgoronyane. And we gain some insight into what inspired ProVerb to write his latest single “Writer’s Club.”

I look forward to the future, more changes and improvement will be announced on the coming weeks on the website. I hope you enjoy this edition. peace, zamantungwa editor, publisher, founder of Poetry Potion

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FF “The poet is not bigger then the poem.” ~ Quaz, Poetry Potion 2011.07

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featured poems Poetry Potion is Five Victor Akarachi Nwogu

I hear soothing whispers of calmness Gently entering into my ears And serenades my head The achievement of an aim I see a lively and elegant statue Priding her head above others She stands in starry brilliance In never-diminishing radiance I perceive her fragrance Like the fragrance of a lavender The queen of the night Exuding from her aura such grace I taste of her potion Of poetry every single day Words that heal and care Words that teach and instruct I feel her touch of love Love for words crafted into poetry One, two, three, four, patiently I can wait to hear that she is five

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Survive on Poetry potion!

Morula Wa Kutukgolo

Survive on Poetry potion!

Live beyond five, Publish beyond online.

Survive on Poetry potion!

Live beyond five, Continue to encourage and to comfort.

Continue to enlighten and to inspire.

Survive on Poetry potion!

Live beyond five, Make many more smile, As you make me smile.

Make many more proud, As you make me proud; Each time I am published On your site to insight.

Each time my poem appears To uplift and to uphold.

Survive on Poetry potion!

Live beyond five, Powerful platform, Amongst platforms.

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“To say to my son and young boys that [when] my work focuses on women issues, my feminist, my activism it doesn’t mean I hate men. It means I want men to respect women. My opinion matters, my voice matters, I have something to say. I’m beyond you just wanting to sleep with me or invade me or rape me or beat me up. I’m more than those things. I can be your friend, I can be your sister, I can be your aunt. I’m your mother.”

F

F 12

poet profile courtesy of Village Gossip Productions

“i’m still my voice within the many other voices.”

Napo Masheane by zamantungwa

Napo Masheane has been in the performance scene since the early 2000s. This theatre practitioner and poet has performed on stages around the world including Botswana, Zimbabwe, Italy, Netherlands. When I first started sharing my poetry, Napo was one of the young voices that frequented the poetry events around Johannesburg. I remember her specifically from the Timbila Poetry Sessions organised by Vonani Bila and featuring established poets like the Botsotso Jesters, Myesha Jenkins, June Madingoane and others.

Through the years, Napo has honed and sharpened her skills making her one of strongest voices of our generation. With one foot in theatre and another in poetry one might think she may struggle to juggle the two worlds but Napo says she was a poet before she went into theatre.

She grew up writing, reading and living in stories. So what came first, the answer is not a simple because she trained as an actor before being affirmed as a poet. It took Vonani Bila to convince Napo that she was a poet.

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She was still a student at Fuba and participating in an arts exchange program with Swedish.

Parts of her script were taken by one of the teachers to Vonani Bila and a week later, Vonani asked to meet her. This affirmation, built her confidence in her work. She started to share her work and through sharing it has grown as a poet.

Napo keeps collaborating and sharing her work through cultural exchanges because she feels it “guarantees your growth.” She says that the people you work with influence your voice as a performer and a writer and your own style grows when you have to work with others. Napo’s style is very Afrocentric, as she draws from her South African experience and writes in both English and Sesotho, but she makes it work anywhere even in Europe. “I’m still my voice within the many other voices.” After collaborating, “I don’t get stuck in one thing,” because she always learns about music, movement, other forms of poetry. She feels that when working alone, we end up doing the same poem in different ways. The Napo she was performing at Timbila Poetry session in the early 2000s is different from the Napo we know see because off all that she’s learnt from her collaborators and the nurturing support that takes place even after the project is done.

She tells how one of her long time collaborator, Khyreishi (Khaya), would send her books and questionnaires to read and do research on the issues she’s going to tackle in her scripts. That has made her work more global even if she’s writing about a South African experience. “Even when I teach young artists, I tell them that they should open up themselves.

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They shouldn’t just say I’ve studied Shakespeare or East African Theatre history. Study everything and within that find your own voices.

It makes you more outstanding.”

Napo was born in Soweto but grew up in Qwaqwa. In Qwaqwa, acting was not seen as a career.

She explains that even though there was TV, careers in the arts or entertainment were seen as something that’s too far and out of reach for them. But even with that, Napo was drawn to words and stories. She lived in books, “My father as a teacher and my mother a storyteller.” So when she heard the stories of Tselane, her fascination grew.

The video tapes that her father brought home of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, Bruce Lee and others where her source of inspiration.

But she didn’t see herself in these stories and that made her want to be in those stories. She wanted to be the first Black Ninja girl.

“Even if I didn’t know that there was theatre or that a person could make a living from it, I always lived in dreams and created my own world.” Moving to cosmopolitan, newly post-Apartheid, Hillbrow where neighbours were celebrities from Sarafina, Bophelo Ke Sephekgo. Suddenly world that seemed so far away and unreal was right there in front of her and real.

She realized that her dream world as more possible. Finding out that people could make a living from this made her sure that she wanted to be a performer

“I always lived in people’s shoes.”

However, her mother wanted her to get a real career. She went with Marketing

because she ended up applying at the last minute.

My Bum Is Genetic, So Deal With It was her first solo performance. Through Feela Sista she was starting to make money through poetry but felt a part of herself not fully realised on stage. “I’m a poet but I realized that I’m in both worlds - theatre and poetry. I couldn’t just stop Feela Sista and say, ‘I’m directing you now.’”

courtesy of Village Gossip Productions

“When I graduated I took the certificate home and said, ‘that’s yours, now I’m gonna do me’” She wanted to walk, sleep and live a creative live. She had already started interacting with the performance scene at Kippies and Market Theatre. She noticed that there weren’t many women voice and life in Johannesburg taught her a lot about politics and so she began to fill that void with her own work.

She wanted to do theatre so she started to build on her ideas and issues around her body - “I have a problem when I shop, I can’t fit into skinny jeans. And people were like, “which Napo, the one with the big bum’” So she shared her ideas with her long time collaborators, Khaya. She presented her pieces at Marketing theatre for AfroVibes. The panel included the late John Matshikiza, who gave her his business card because he felt she had an amazing concept. He told her about Sara Baartman and told her to research and build on the pieces she had presented. After a two month research and development process, she took a script back to John Matshikiza and he loved it. I didn’t have money to pay him but he said, “Who said anything about money?” With John Matshikiza as director, Napo then built landmark piece and performed it against the Picasso in Africa exhibition in 2006. “That was it, 15 minutes turned into 30 minutes and so on,” she says.

Body politics, women’s voices have been an important part of her work. As a starting point, it was easy because as a woman Napo can relate to other women and coming from a family of big but healthy women and meeting other women that have experienced their own body issues, the body politics conversation needed to start.

Napo says, “Even if they [women] are big, fat, huge, overweight,” she wanted to say stop “for a second and explore what brought these women to that place.” But Napo doesn’t want to box image, beauty, body issues. She doesn’t want to be boxed in by these issues either. She says that’s not where she’s going to stop.

She feels that as a mother of a son and even if her son and his father don’t have a relationship, she has great male friends that she feels like her son can learn that not all men are ugly and bad. So she has been working on a play with five male characters titled Any Man is better than No Man. Napo is very clear that there are things that she’ll not be able to talk about as a woman, “If I 15

talk about men issues, I can’t talk about circumcision, I’m not a man. I can’t talk about how men feel. But what I can do is symbolise the different types of men that I’ve come across - the father, a brother, an abuser, a gay guy and a hoebag - and put them on stage and ask ‘as a woman which man would you choose to have in your life?’”

“To say to my son and young boys that [when] my work focuses on women issues, my feminist, my activism it doesn’t mean I hate men.

It means I want men to respect women. My opinion matters, my voice matters, I have something to say. I’m beyond you just wanting to sleep with me or invade me or rape me or beat me up. I’m more than those things.

I can be your friend, I can be your sister, I can be your aunt. I’m your mother.” Napo speaks passionately about what she wants this play to be about. Just because this is about men, doesn’t mean that she’ll give this half her attention. Napo stresses that ultimately she also wants her son to know that there are different kinds of men and he needs to decide which one he is. She is taking her time with this script but, already, it’s something to look forward to.

Napo’s work has taken her to various places around the world. For Napo to collaborate and perform outside of South Africa has been a positive thing for her. Travelling the world made her realise that even if she writes about black women issues, once they are put on stage they are no longer just ‘black women issues’. They become everyone’s issues, every woman and man is affected despite their class or race. “When I [perform] Bum, my point of reference is my people, black women and the African perspective, however, it doesn’t stop the European women [in the audience] from saying ‘with her it’s her bum but with me it’s the breasts, the nose, the height…

There is just something that every woman has an issue with regarding their bodies.” She feels that even though her poetry is for and about women, men can either relate, get in touch with their feminine side or realise that they can treat the women in their lives better. Performing around the world, allows her poetry to start universal conversations.

These universal conversations aren’t just about how Europe relates to Afrika about how Afrika relates to itself. Being able to travel and connect, on a personal level, with poets from other places like Tanzania and then finding the similarities in the stories we hear as children she realised that “Africa is connected, we’re all the same people” So when she learnt about the Samburu, who are described as the ‘carriers of bags” because they are nomadic, and also as the “north butterflies” that connected with her because she felt that as a moSotho, baSotho, also come from the North.

Napo talk abut her people travelling from the North carrying their bags, their beat with their songs and stories and everything” so she felt she could honour the kings of the BaSotho and also the Sotho tribes BaRolong, BaKwena, BaThlaping BaThlakwana le BaKgatla because even if they are now separate tribes, they are siblings. This is what inspired a poem like Samburu.

Caves Speak in Metaphors is her legacy and about 16

They were like, “which Napo, the one with the big bum.”

her to put her work on paper. As her first collection, it was part of her growth as a poet. Reflecting back on the experience, Napo can admit that some poems in that book aren’t that good. the experience taught her to differentiate between poems that work well in performance but don’t work as well in print. She remembers thinking, “If somebody takes this and analyses it, I’ll be in trouble.” Napo insists that, “It’s very important as a poet, or a writer to document your work.

It’s like looking in the mirror. When you see your own reflection, you can see what needs to be sorted.” The process of publishing allowed her to see what was good and bad in her work.

“today you can usher in a president, tomorrow you can write an article for O Mag and the following With Fat Girls Songs for My Girlfriends, day you can Napo sees a lot of growth. The collection is come to State smaller but she feels it is of a higher quality. In Theatre and do Fat Song’s for My Girlfriends, she closes the on body issues. The first book was a production” chapter mostly identity and spiritually. Fat Songs was for women in her life, her friends, her family. She was in her twenties with Caves and she’s in her thirties with Fat Songs. So her mind-set has changed, “These are songs that I’ve been listening to, I’ve been sharing these songs with my girlfriends.” So she wanted to share them with the rest of us. The issues range from “the sadness of being in a fucked up relationship, or the sadness of a family that keeps silent about certain issues to being beautiful and amazing.”

Napo is consistently working either performing in the country or elsewhere in the world and selling her books. There are poets that try and fail to make a living as a poet so Napo’s experience is definitely something up and coming poets can learn from. Napo believes that her marketing management studies made her realize that “you can write the best play but if it doesn’t put bums on seats it’s a failure. You can be the most gifted writer but if you publish a book that doesn’t’ sell, then you have failed.”

Brand building is very important.

“You have to build your brand so that people don’t have to look for you that far - they can google you and get a hold of you and buy your book even if they can’t find it from the big chain stores.” Napo believes that the blessing for her is that as a performer she can take the risk of selfpublishing because she has the ability to perform in other countries and take twenty books with her to sell after performing. This works because “when people have heard you, they want to keep a part of that experience, they want to walk away with that memory.” Some people don’t have that track record to rely on because she has built her brand, Napo able to stage a show without any money because she can approach places like Market Theatre for a stage, and people like Khaya to work with.

Napo admits that it isn’t always easy but she decided that she didn’t want to be a poor artist - there have been days when she has been broke, when it’s frustrating but being part of a community has helped. “After publishing 17

Fat Songs, everyone has applauding me but I was completely depressed.

I was sitting in my house with my savings gone and I couldn’t pay my bills” but her community of friends and collaborators rallied around her. Khaya said “I’ll come, we can do a show and you keep the door takings, Lebo said I’ll come MC for free and another friend catered for free, Makgano put money in my account. So it helps when you’re part of a community that affirms and believes in your work. But people will affirm and believe in your work if you reflect the values that they stand for. That’s part of branding.

People will always want to be associated with your brand if your brand represents something.”

Napo says it’s important for poets to be business-minded. “Find your voice, make sure you know where you stand and what you stand for.

Because if you’re all over then people don’t know what they are supporting.”

Knowing what you stand for opens up doors “I want to be part of that community, part of that person’s shine and light. Even the business side becomes good and amazing.”

With the poetry scene growing into an industry, you can now find poetry in theatre, hear it in house music, there’s more published poetry now than ten years ago and poet can get paid through radio and tv adverts. But Napo doesn’t believe that we’ve all cracked the business aspect.

“Today you can usher in a president, tomorrow you can write an article for O Mag and the following day you can come to State Theatre and do a production” When asked how she deals with having a writer’s block, Napo simply says, “I let it be.” At the time of the interview, she revealed that she hadn’t written for some weeks but she that didn’t stress her at all. She doesn’t let herself get depressed. But rather sees it as a chance to do other things.

For Napo the “writer’s block” is like being on leave, a break. She reads everything - She has books all over her house that she hasn’t finished so she reads or goes in search of new books “Writing is an act of expelling, emptying oneself,” she says it means that there are things that her mind needs to process, breakdown, think through. Napo stays busy focussing on acting, memorising lines from scripts, relearning her old poems and being an adjudicator watching theatre production and through all that she’s inspired again. She can write again.

“So just clean your house, your mental house. And once it’s clean it allows space for new things to come in and inspire you.”

Napo’s passion and discipline has moved her career to a place where many of us dream.

It’s clear that one doesn’t succeed only by dreaming.

We look forward to seeing what Ms Masheane creates next. www.napomasheane.com 18

“so just clean your house, your mental house. and once it’s clean it allows space for new things to come in and inspire you.”

FF Mafika Gwala: By writing so freely, young writers must be careful not to fall into [the] trap of language rape.

I call it murdering language because they destroy the old convention without thinking of how it would be if everything was anarchy around us. ~Mafika Gwala, Poetry Potion 2007

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poetry Seeds and growth Sihle Ntuli

Seeds and growth Spin and move Driving past the 5’s Axes and spokes provoke the stagnated...

Living through movement in plural form Youthfulness envied Dressed No one see’s behind the lines...

Heading towards the line...

That you’ll read about tomorrow I Killed...

To do and undo the wrongs Tied in a knot Holy Matrimony Metaphors and coma’s Sentenced to good enough’s Till eternal life never let us part Artforms below the neck Tied in a knot with a blue tie Hearts on sleeves I kill to move you From seeds and growth to poking holes with spokes To provoke With a mouth full of phlegm at stagnation Ink spilt A full stop closes the wound As you laugh or cry My soul indifferent

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Growing Bones Saaleha Idrees Bamjee

First soft and unknit to mould through mothers to begin this work of hardening frame growing upwards to fall free when six from the top of the world, fracturing fear and breaking in three places casting a school-term in plaster scribbled on in fruit-scented markers.

Bones, I drink to your strength.

The milk, always, in tall glasses good for glugging in one go and skillful lickings of wet-white mustaches after.

Under stretched-out bras and holy panties, I scribble bones into perfumed diaries that close with a heart-shaped lock pickable with a paper clip.

Bones, you make good backs built to bend under the weight of adolescence and spring up when the world becomes ready for a woman.

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Growing perfection Indigolunarh

He is my perfection personified not only perfect in the flesh but the spirit as well he is the glistening light at the start of my awakening a light so bright i cant help but shine with it too purify myself for it, wash away all my demons in pursuit of it grow with it and have it growing within me Sweet thing, one day appeared to me like the Son rising in the East like a flower blooming overnight At first I thought he was just one of Gods creations so i didn’t notice Until his power became so magnetic that he started growing in my heart a seed most divine Love Its force so compelling I couldn’t ignore it, so i dumped my heart in his hands Sweet thing gracious beast, flower that bloomed over night, Sweet taboo I’m told by God is the ‘HE’ i asked for many moons ago So perfect he appeared to me while i was trying to make myself perfect He is restoring my faith and cheering for the better me I’m creating Everyday he becomes my daily bread We continue growing like a cactus in the desert I pray for each day to bring us more gifts That we continue being gifts to each other Growing our seed of Love

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Congo and Cameroons Tommy Dennis

I met the devil in a white Toyota Corolla.

I said, I said in morose Zulu to take me to the gallery, a gallery In Johannesburg.

Johannes’s mountain.

A mountain Perhaps where the devil smokes dagga Turning to me, in softly accented Tswana, the devil say’s Andre Mvelase, Meet yourself and I remember my Fathers wisdom, spoken from the back of a girls bare bodice lying on twigs of dry skin and broken baobabs.

Given the choice to look at yourself look away.

And he say’s I have a Personal Mandela.

A Mandela who will sooth my skies, who will tell me to have faith in the rainbow nightmare.

And he speeds, Satan speeds straight to a safe space, special in its salacious and salubrious sty.

Telling me not the gallery in Johannesburg.

But the gallery of ancient heads In Luthuli House, in downtown Johannesburg.

Where heads of gold will tell me my mother’s wisdom will tell me the peace of my Mother’s people. will tell me in ancient angry festering Zulu that my mother was jealous.

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To my Pain

Gnosis

To my Pain You never told me to unchain my soul You never told me to ignite my spirit; To make your pleasure my sole goal Or empty my world and pour you in it There never was any warning of your treachery Neither did the elements, your deeds foretell You were cold and clinical – a piece of machinery Irredeemable I stood without roots – oh, I fell.

Your mocking eye and scolding tongue brandished me The tales of your mastery then flew in from over and beyond My error was bought with my heart as the fee And tied I became to this shylock bond Even if I knew of your prowess Your power to maim the innocent To an eternity of your love, I did confess And saw not your dung nor picked its scent.

Against all odds – and many they were – I gave me To an eternity of darkness Of many memories this shall be But never again shall I partake in this – your madness!

Five times has it occurred And five shall it be Never shall I again be the drink offering poured On my soul, never again shall we see On the alter of my soul’s peace and growth Shall you be sacrificed, this is my oath!

You were the root of my love And the source of my pain; The puzzle I never did solve; The peace I never gained

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Plant Seeds and Watch them grow Victor Akarachi Nwogu

She waits for deeds bold and brave To give her nod to the actions of men Who will through pain win gain Chiding the breakthroughs of tomorrow Like a sperm cell becomes a child And a whisper becomes a voice We pause to ask several questions But the answers lie in eternity Set like a timeless clime within us The boundary of which is limitless Always wondering where to go Like a cow that cannot lead itself Simple arithmetic is not always simple And common sense not always common Bustles and hustles are not always fruitful And struggles not always gainful Muscles do not always lift lodes And thoughts are not always bad Plant a pretty little seed Let it die in the wealthy loam Sprouting and growing, It will open into beautiful petals You will see that a girl soon becomes a woman And a forest was once a ‘careless’ seed

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Ndopembera newe

Tinashe Muchuri

Ndakakuona uchiyaruka semuti pahova dzemvura mhenyu dzinde rako, matavi namashizha zvako zvichisimba kusimbisa matavi namashizha mazhinji zvichipa mumvuri kumazwi ari kuyaruka murwendo rwawo rwekuda kunzwika uko nekokoko! nhasi hezvo amazwi akatsetseka ndopembera newe Translation

I celebrate with you I saw you growing like a tree near rivers of water your trunk, branches and leaves firming producing more branches and leaves giving shelter to new voices pleading to be heard far and wide. today, with refined words I celebrate with you.

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When we are One Kabelo Mashishi

Have you ever thought Longer and harder What we could achieve when we are one The sky would be within our reach It would be no more far Our knowledge would be powerful and make us rich It would get simpler and simpler to breath We would be bigger than the big five When we are one...

The constellation would smile upon us We would be its true reflection The spirit of unity flowing through our veins As we take our rightful reins And our names wouldn’t be used in vain When we are one...

The rain would ascend upon us And it would shower throughout the day With blessings coming our way When we’re really democratic No “my way or the highway” And there wouldn’t be no turning back Neither doubts nor second thoughts No back-stabber, No bad-loathers, Where I’m no better than you But with you I’m better Where I’m not your leader But with you we can lead Not lead a nation to poverty Not lead a nation to Iraq Not lead a nation to public riots Not lead and promise jobs As we push our glasses up and stutter While clearing our throats second after second But lead each other in the right direction When we are one...

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The Delivery Man Kabelo Mashishi

I deliver Not from evil I will lead you to the streets We shall sing, clap and dance Until we run out of stamina Until our voice are stolen And we shall lay the blame unto someone Maybe I will build you houses Increase the social grants and make you happy And as I publicly undress..

So will I the nation address Let’s forget about the country’s state O Yea!!

And I will take the media’s power Only I should posses that power What do they know about freedom?

The freedom figure is in my speeches It’s in the way I walk and talk...

And I deliver, The millions and millions to my families And rightly so, when I eat so should they I solemnly swear that I will deliver Sincerely yours, The press..see-dent

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A Story of the Mind Ashraf Booley

At the moment of awakening another story ends.

Like a book with missing pages, half-read, no ending.

A state that awakens the silence of the unconscious.

Where the dream-maker calls upon flying elephants and leaping giants.

I played hide-and-seek with Ahmed and Dave and Joy, I do not know them.

I found myself in a place in my head where I am not myself.

I awake to a story I half-forgot, half-remember.

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Commedia dell’Arte Charl Landsberg

Are you happy with me Here where I stand?

Jester in your court I stand Your loyal servant I stand All day My feet pain Ready with a joke With a witty reply The prepared anecdote To make you laugh And you laugh heartily With the food gurgling In your gullet Laugh at me While I whisper Some advice into your ear And you call me To advise you when none look And I answer as best I can With the very marrow of my bones Your harlequin Your loyal servant In my bright clothes And my silly walk As I stand eager To snatch the gold From your fingers That I may go home And my children will say “Zanni have you food for us” And I will say “Not much” And my children will say “But weren’t you funny?

You are a Zanni?”

And I will say “Very. I was very funny But our master Does not get the real joke.”

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Glossary: Commedia dell’Arte is a style of theatre in which arose in the late 16th Century often involving actors dressed in masks as clowns and harlequins. The various types of clowns have their own characters and even silly walks and traits. An interesting note in this regard is that female characters were played by women, which is unusual in this age as we know that in, for instance, Shakespearean plays female characters were played by men.

Zanni or Zani is a kind of clown in this style of theatre although they arose in the early fourteenth century long before the Commedia dell’Arte. They were often known for being the trickster character or the servant that ‘thinks above their station’. Usually they are masked and wear baggy or ill fitting clothes. In this poem however, I would say that the character is not literally a Zanni (a character in a play), but this is rather how he feels about himself as the clown and not a respected, rich and powerful man’s servant or adviser.

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When its time to let go and grow…

Rose

It makes no difference in the world Whether it’s worse or best The situation one is in When its time to give it a rest.

Independence is a dream And the journey will be rough So the decision to move on Will be tedious and tough.

My heart will stay tender Because sensitivity is not weak So when feeling crowded with confusion It’s my Creator whom I’ll seek.

I’m definitely no clinger or hanger-on When its time to let go.

My spirit is telling me to be brave And grab the opportunity to grow.

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Progression Desiree

I have a confession This is not just an expression but a declaration to make progression As the definition of progression is a forward motion I am definitely making a forward movement towards my destination I am not in a competition but on a mission to achieve my vision This is a proclamation that i will make it!

I am not perfection I made mistakes therefore beared detention missed opportunities because of procrastination experienced oppositions faced rejection had stronghold addictions suffered afflictions but I will not wait for me to be a perfectionist in perfection I will rise like a toddler learning to walk Grow like a seed in dark and blossom like a tree in the light I am not where I want to be neither am I where I use to be I will gradually graduate which will lead to my graduation Oppositions will put me on high positions Rejection will lead me to the right direction Tests will become my testimonies Transgressions will be my transportation as they are my preparation For this is my progression

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Men are Like Dresses

Andiswa Onke Maqutu

When I was five, I watched a seamstress make me a dress Men are like dresses, on you put the best, she said I’m measuring its size, using you to test I watched her work on a fashion portrait for me Of material she took her time choosing the best quality She took her time making the best fit She locked eyes on the strings and drew them to her bosom She laid the silk and velvet swabs on her breasts And as the material lay breathless on her chest She evened out a crease, and sealed a seam The material was an acolyte under her caress Manipulated to any shape and feel she desired With her divine skill it became what she aspired A shift dress, an empire waist baby doll dress, or a little black dress When I was five, I watched a seamstress make me a dress Men are like dresses, on you put the best, she said Some men are like an empire waist baby doll dress that flares at the bottom Eager to hug the bust line, the wrong cut can suffocate the heart Whichever way you allow the wind to blow it between your legs it’ll start With a peek, then a touch, it’ll even dance before it flares away Some men are like peplum shift dresses They leave something to the imagination as they hide your flaws You’ll soon outgrow them; don’t fret when they fall short and become too small Everything ends, even dresses can’t help being finite But some men are like Little Black Dresses Full of class and simple sense, it’s loved by your mammas Every girl should have at least one for its timelessness It lets a woman exude beautiful power and loves her forever When I was five, I watched a seamstress make me a dress Men are like dresses, on you put the best, she said

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You and I

Mohamed Sheikh Abdiaziz.

You and I have one thing in common Growing up in the country and herding goats Living in the city now and fermenting new schemes Reading books, not really; only the reviews Sitting in coffee shops and taking countless cups of tea A love for the arts and having pretentious intellectual conversations A passion for all things volatile and passing; football and politics Making lists we never follow through and budgets Walking the empty streets of the city on Sundays Taking mental photograph of things we like; nature Imagining phantom things and believing all things abstract Holding on to stale things and being sentimental Planning for dreamy trips to Rome, Venice and ancient Greece Laughing heartily and for no apparent reason; haha‌haha Raising hell when we are enraged and absolutely gutted Wearing glasses and being geeky and all; real nerds Pocketing while walking and humming about some song Dancing to Turbulence and getting high on some shit You and I have one thing in common But I keep wondering which of the above it will really be ‘Cause you and I are yet to cross paths in this maze called life.

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FF “A griot can come to you and say “I’ve come to sing praises to you.”

And he will create a song that praises your family, you are expected to give him something in return but if you don’t he will go and compose insulting songs about you and your family. You can’t even take him to court because a griot has the right to say anything about anyone.” ~Alhaji Papa Susso, Poetry Potion 2007

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“I’m a messenger and a voice of the people.” ~ Jessica Mbangeni., Poetry Potion 2007.01

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q&a

image from Word N Sound

Andrew Manyika

Poetry Potion: Where do you come from and how did you get here?

Andrew Manyika: I was born in Zimbabwe in the 80s. When my dad came to SA for work, he brought his family with him. I was fortunate to be part of that collection of people. I was also coming to study.

PP: So Manyika is really your last name?

AM: It’s my government name!

PP: Oh, I thought it was like …

AM: Like “ma nyikka”, like I’m trying to be cool.

PP: Like Andrew my nigga but he thought let me not go for nigga?

AM: Like I’m so rough (does a pose as I laugh). Like I was being cool. So I can keep it? Because I was trying to decide if I should go in the direction of an aka!

PP: keep it!

AM: Ok 38

PP: When did you start writing and did you start with poetry?

AM: I remember those essays we had to write for school. It really started when I learnt to read, the day I started to read, I remember this. [The teacher] would give us a list of words to learn and we couldn’t get the actual book unless we knew every word on that list. I remember it was around Easter and I was sitting with my mum. My mum was doing my sister’s hair, or vice versa, and I as lying on the floor going through my list. I remember the word aeroplane was on it and finally i could read it and was so excited. The next day, I got the book to read.

Ever since then, whenever I get a book I always read more of it than I’m supposed to at a time. That’s when my relationship with reading, or with literature began.

Writing just came naturally from that because it was something I had to do at school but then my tastes in literature always veered towards the weird like Greek mythology, science fiction. I remember writing poetry from when I was twelve.

PP: A lot of people don’t enjoy writing assignments or poetry at school. did you enjoy it?

AM: I grew to love it. I remember Form 3 (grade 10), I was that kid in class with the highest marks and my favourite subject had always been English because I loved reading. But obviously the initial pressure of coming up with the story [was there] but then once you start, the story sort of writes itself. My job is just to make sure it stays within certain bounds. i would always get the highest marks with these compositions. My high school English teacher once called me out of Prep and I thought I was in trouble and he said “I wanted to see you in person because I really liked your story but you need to work on the size of your letters and, you know, cross your ‘T’s, please.” That type of experience instilled confidence me because it was like “clearly I’m not the one enjoying my stories.

From that point onwards there might’ve been a bit of an unfair bias because they were expecting me to write good words. So there more bombastic word i put in i would get a mark. But [writing those essays] kept me on my toes in terms of writing because you only forty minutes to writer and only got the topic at the beginning of the lesson.

PP: And the poetry, how was that first experience of poetry in school?

AM: It was nice because it wasn’t formal [at first]. I was writing poems just because I liked writing poems. It was cool, very pressure free, I wasn’t competing with anyone. I didn’t even have to read my poem. And then we formally started doing poetry when I was in Form 3 and there was this very nice anthology called ‘Many People, Many Voices’ and it had an impact on my writing because it taught me a bit of what I like and don’t like. I don’t like poems about nature. There was a poem in the book called ‘Sorghum’ and every time I got to that page I was like “Sorghum, really? I supposed you were inspired”.

But, then it also shows you other things that you didn’t know when you explore 39

the structure and such.

PP: After high school, was poetry still part of your life. Were you sharing it yet?

AM: Yes, I was (still am) a bit of an amateur philosopher. There were these stories and poems that i would write for myself. I would share them but not in a public forum just with friends. In my third year, I joined the on-campus poetry group. I occasionally shared my poetry there but I was still very much a reader because I believe there’s a space for the written word and it needs to be as respected as the performance or spoken word.

Towards the end of the year, the International Student Society had a poetry competition where you would win a camera. The brief was “If not for the borders, Africa would be…” and then you were supposed to finish that off with your poem. I wrote a poem and I won. I won a camera, that kind of thing has helped to inspire me to keep at it.

Prior to that I had a deep epiphanic moment, I think the year before, when I knew that my purpose was to write. I was reading Dambudzo Marechera’s House of Hunger, he went to my high school. He managed to go abroad on the strength of his writing. He managed to get worldwide acclaim on the strength of his writing. And my thing had always been - “ can i eat if i design to pursue this all the way” and I realized it was who I as meant to be.

PP: What drives you?

AM: Telling stories. My mission is to create and capture moments and memories. I document and chronicle what’s happening around me. I don’t put any pressure on myself to be a preacher or a teacher to the world. I don’t put any pressure on myself to be the most creative, abstract poet in the world.

I get an idea and work on it until I’m happy with it and then i present it to the world and the people who like it will like it and the people that don’t will proceed with light.

PP: Most of us don’t ever think of applying mission statements to our writing so what made you do it?

AM: My philosophy on the arts is that art is important because it’s not important. I think there are things that don’t appeal or have no [physical benefit for us] but we feel badly for. And I think because art goes to that place, it allows for a person to be reached in a way that other things will not reach a person. [But i don’t think] you should put pressure on yourself to think of a vision or a mission - i think write if you wanna write.

My relationship with poetry was on and off for the longest time, I would write and stop for like six months or a year and then start again. Then in 2008 i decided “pens up”. But now I’m on.

PP: How did you come to fuse the comedy and poetry? Where you 40

always a funny kid?

AM: No, just funny to look at sometimes. I’d go around thinking up things that I thought were witty and then think maybe I should write that down. But even before that I would think these weird things but never write them down.

Then one day I [started to] write down the ideas and put them away with no intention of showing it to anyone or showing it to the world. Then I wrote what was my first comedy set in 2007 but didn’t show it to anybody it was just to see if I could write anything funny. But then I put it together, invited two of my friends over and performed for them right here at home.

I’d hardly call it a performance but I was reading these jokes trying to see a reaction. They thought it was funny. One of my friends suggested I try for the UJ Night of Comedy. I was reluctant, it was a big venue and Trevor Noah was headlining and I said no. But next year my friend said if “you’re scared to go alone then let’s go together”. We ended up performing at Roxy’s - I was not horrible but I was not at my funniest. It was sort of like a slip and slide, you get them and then you lose them. So yeah, I didn’t bomb but I wasn’t great. I got better, the next year I came back and started going to Cool Runnings [comedy nights] and they gave me a slot. I was received very well, John Vlismas was there. I spoke to him before going on stage and he gave me some advice saying the only advice he could give me was not to take anybody’s advise including his own” and that’s some pretty solid advice.

I’m just trying to keep at it, keep writing material and get myself out to the people because [I’m planning] a one many show for later this year. It’s gonna need people to be aware who I am.

PP: When writing, does it always come out funny or witty or do you every feel like not being funny today?

AM: By and large, most of it isn’t funny. If you look at my poetry it’s not stuff that will make laugh. It has a level of layering and depths… I’d like to think but of course I’m biased. Some of them are humorous. It’s harder though, for me to pull out funny poem than a deep one. I actually have to make the decision that I want to be funny today when I’m writing a poem. Because poets are depressing, we’re heartbroken, we’re angry, we are just not happy people.

I remember the first time I asked myself “I wonder what a happy poem would sound like that wasn’t written by a six year old. We ignore the other emotions on the spectrum of human emotions and we’re here where it’s dark but there are things that make us happy and I like to explore those aspects.

I think that’s why people avoid poetry shows. They don’t want to come out depressed. That’s why people prefer comedy shows cause they want to be happy.

PP: At what point, did you decide to merge the comedy and the poetry?

AM: It was never really a conscious decision. I just realised that I don’t know anybody that does both comedy and poetry so I thought, let’s give the people something different. I wanted to see how it would go. But I also think it will be well received because it’s never been done before so I can carve out a niche 41

for myself.

My understanding is that comedy does pay more than, pretty much, all the other forms of performance arts besides music. People are open to comedy, they will sponsor comedy and they will receive a comedy. So this is about creating an avenue to take poetry beyond poets.

What I’ve noticed about poetry shows is that it’s mainly poets that come to the show. You rarely get a man off the street. Everybody will come to a comedy show because everybody laughs. So if you can infuse the one with the other then people might see that maybe this poetry thing is not so bad.

People worry that we’re going to bombard them with abstract images and aren’t going to be talking to them. Since it hasn’t been done before, it will be nice to pioneer it. This is my present objective.

PP: Talk about your writing process, from idea phase?

AM: It’s different from poetry and for comedy. Let’s start with the easier one: Comedy ideas come from something that’s funny, something observed or read somewhere. In my mind something happens that gives [what I’ve observed] a comedic twist. I write that and what usually happens is as I write that, I start to see how I could add to it. It sort of just avalanches from that. Sometimes I hesitate from writing comedy because there’s so much happening [all the time]. But that’s a good problem to have. So much comes out and then I have to go and read through it and sort through it. I don’t like writing the entire joke because it can get too long. So mainly I just write the gist of it then I have a list I know as I’m rehearsing roughly how long each joke takes to do.

With poetry, there are there ways. First, and this is the best way, the poem comes to you almost fully formed and you just write it down. The harder way is when maybe I have one idea, one line, one sentence or one thing I want to convey. I’ll approach it as a puzzle, allow myself to think, not even very actively around the idea and allow congruent ideas to come to me then write them down. After a few days I then start to look at how these ideas come together - this is not a very organic way. The more organic way is to write to a melody and some nice poetry can come from there. There are so many ways but I limit myself to these three ways.

PP: How do you approach a writer’s block?

AM: By not trying to write. Because it gets frustrating. But I’ve been fortunate, I’ve been very blessed. God has been kind because at the end of last year, I sat down and wrote all the ideas of poems and then my phone was stolen. I had over two hundred ideas.

I wanted to stop writing, stop dreaming, stop aspiring but then God gave me a second wind and that’s when I got DFL and when more poetry opportunities came through. When I got my new phone, I wrote all the ideas into the phone I ended up with sixty concepts that were just for poems never mind comedy and tv ideas. So a writer’s block won’t be a problem for the foreseeable future.

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PP: What is your future in writing?

AM: I studied Marketing Management and Strategic Management so I have many ideas for business. But if I could just write full time or work on my own projects… I’m working on a way to do that full time. It’s a business approach to everything. That’s why I’m glad I studied what i studied, thank God for my parents who enabled me to do it and support my dream presently.

PP: Talk a bit more about this business approach?

AM: The business approach to anything will allow you to think of ways to make money but what we do, unfortunately, we tend to approach this as something that happens to us as opposed to something that we can impact as well. I decided to take this approach with this whole performance thing and not just for corporate gigs. Mutle is one of the poets that I admire, he does this full time and has a rigorous schedule that he keeps to everyday that goes to making him a strong performer. It’s about being meticulous and disciplined in how you approach it that will enable you to eventually see a reward from it.

Unfortunately, a lot of people will work full time jobs and then write after hours.

But then, you’ve spent 8 hours pushing someone else’s dream and you get tired, being human, then you’ve only got about an hour [to focus on your dream]. An hour a day, if you write everyday, and who does? You’ll find that your dreams will get you to a point where you will maybe see some money.

It’s not going to be you making a living. It’s not often that you get to the level of poets like Lebo Mashile.

But the key, to get poetry to the point where it pays as much as comedy, because comedians get paid, the key is business thinking.

PP: At what point did you decide that you’d look at this as a business and not just some flighty, when the muse comes into your head sort of thing?

AM: The desire to eat! More than anything else, I have other projects that are business projects that I’m working on but I thought if I’m going to do performance because it requires so much from me then it needs to have that type of philosophy applied to it. Jeff Tshabalala, when he was preparing us for DFL last year, said “if you came to share the word then you’ll share the world and leave but if you came to win then you will win.”

Number one, you prepare yourself in your mind and then do the things that are necessary. So that’s the philosophy. If you wanna share your word out there, you have to look for the channels out there. And the channels pay because it is worth it but you can give it away - good for you. If you can find these channels and approach them to find a way to move forward in a way that’s beneficial. This decision was based on the strength of what I studied.

PP: Where do you see yourself in a few years time?

AM: International. With merchandise, in fact, I intend to sell more t-shirts than 43

John Cena, Spiderman and Ben 10. It’s going to be a lot of work but I’ll do it.

Touring worldwide both comedy and poetry.

I’d like to start a mentoring program. For a long time Christian art has been considered, and sometimes rightfully so, to be mediocre because people didn’t apply themselves as rigorously as secular artists do. So it will be about raising the bar, spreading the message of Christ through arts in a forum that is noteworthy because of how it’s executed in addition to the message we are carrying.

And writing, not just touring. Because before getting on stage, I was very shy child and that’s why books were such good friends. Before getting on stage I’m a writer, so definitely I want to have a few published titles under my belt.

PP: What would say to someone else who’s watching you being able to get on a stage, publish and put together your own show. What would you say to those that are too shy to sell themselves?

AM: Not every poet is a performance poet. I feel is that the written word is the ultimate form of poetry. For me literature has always been a constant.

Look for an avenue that suits you and if you’re up to the challenge, because I was dreadfully shy but here I am. It’s not because I’m super dope but because I have had people to guide and help me like Jeff, Afurakan who’s provided the platform and so on.

There are workshops being held constantly, so look for people to help if you want to perform. Don’t ignore the other avenues through which poetry can be spread, the internet is available. Set up a blog even a Facebook profile but be careful because your work isn’t protect. Write a book, submit to magazines, do a manuscript or an anthology and submit to publishers. If they say no yo move on to the next one if they say yes you’re in.

Andrew is working on a one may show for November with poetry and comedy called the Drewmann Show.

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“one has only two important dates in their lives - the day you are born and the day you day...

In between there’s a big chasm there. You fill it up goodies or you fill up with garbage. I try to fill up my space with as much goodies as possible. My goodies are poems or whatever I’ve written.” ~ Mbuyiseni Oswald Mtshali, Poetry Potion 2012.01

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the best of Poetry Potion

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available at http://theblmstore.net

2007 | featured poems

afrika without borders version II

Nyakale Mokgosi

hiding behind the skirts

of victimization, little progress pulling the rug from other africans’ feet independence no longer sweet freedom still a pipe dream porous borders policing people valiantly, all in vain an island of prosperity in a sea of poverty hope hanging by a thread like a broken record africans of all hues prowling 4 meaningful cues claim their motherland from a petit bourgeoisie in afrika people need dreams not borders the pride of madness becoming delusion, lapped up like strawberry & cream power failures are the norm broken fingernails worked to the bone perhaps rent a retiring concord african women sold export double digit growth all round across permeable borders no borders, no drama queens is afrika beyond redemption motho ke motho ka batho i am because you are umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu

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featured poems | 2007

Give ME Love

(Cry of a Common Man)

Righteous the Common Man give me love, don’t gimme sex I’ve seen too much of that Besides, I don’t wanna waste my sweat Gimme strength and the knowledge I need to enhance my consciousness Gimme love so that I can find peace within myself Give me education, give me skills So that I can increase my abilities To compete for job opportunities Gimme a job so that I can pay the bills And feed my seeds.

Gimme love so that I can find peace Gimme love, don’t give me an empty bag Filled with promises Get me a piece of land So that I can build myself A home where I can lay my head.

Gimme work so that I can pay the rent I need books to read, give me libraries Don’t give me lies, give me the truth please I don’t need you weapons, don’t give me guns Give me schools, give me all the necessary tools That I need to school the youth Gimme love, so that I can find peace And spread it in all the streets.

Give me access to insight So that I can promote and exercise Protect and realise my socio-economic rights Pleeze, don’t privatise my right to a decent life Give me clinics so that I can take care of the sick and weak Don’t feel pity for me, I don’t need your sympathy Gimme love, don’t give me charity Show me some solidarity Show me love, show me some humanity Give me peace, give me justice and equity So that I can change my poverty dominated reality Gimme love so that I can find peace And spread it in all the streets.

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2007 | featured poems

Tshegofatso

Tshegofatso Monaisa I’ll tell you what I am Gimme a pen By the time you’re done counting from 10 I would have already told you all the things I am A writer, A poet, A singer, Yes I know it, I like to drink my moët, Oh! Ba re ke moet Ho pele, ho pele, ho pele!

Ke tla’o tjaela ke se ke go khenye, Ke mmaago, ke aus’wa go, ke moratuwa wa go Ke molemi, ke mojali, ke master mind ya TV and film industry.

Mara above all this, Ke letswai la lefatshe, Ke a gift from God, Neo to all of you.

Blessing (translation) I’ll tell you what I am Give me a pen, By the time you’re done counting to ten, I would have already told you all the things I am.

A writer, A poet, A singer, yes I know it.

I like to drink moët, Oh, wait a second, apparently its called moët Wait a second, I will tell you before I bore you I’m your mother, I’m your sister, I’m your lover, I’m a planter, I’m a plougher, I’m the mastermind of the TV and film industry, But above all this, I’m the salt of the earth, A gift from God A gift to all of you.

Blessing

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featured poems | 2008

One Night Stand Chisanga Kabinga

Tendrils of smoke swirl in the air Fade slowly They lie post coital Warm Cold blue TV lights flicker He inhales the shampoo scent of her hair Of a memory that could dissolve this delicate haze His eyes close Recollecting those of another as His lips caress her forehead She knows his lips are haunted but Her back curls Near perfect Into the spoon of his body Her eyes close in a fantasy Of a love she wishes she felt for him His comfort curls around her like a familiar blanket Long gone, never forgotten She closes her eyes, pretends This is home That his gentle kiss is love Her fingers intercept the Misplaced longings of his hands He accepts the false poetry of Her warm caress He inhales the thick smoky rings of Her secret wish Intoxicated His feet find her cold ones Warmed by the blanket of their illusions Prolonging the one night stand

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2009 | featured poems

We are Kings and Queens Maikutlo

We are kings and queens with broken dreams and loosened seams it seems we are lost Loosing the human race at a blazing pace unable to find our way out of this maze Amazed to find that we are walking in ignorance of our own God given blessings Fallen stars with bear footed cracked feet and hearts that bleed we plant a seed that is driven by greed creating a need to exist holding on just so long as the days roll-on cause see some die and we cry and dare not ask the question why Pouring out sweats of pain we create a stain and a drain in the universe with our silent reverse of shame drunken puppets who are easy targets for we verbalise, diaries, materialise our pain by giving birth to it cutting the umbilical cord and Watching our tears fall like rivers from the skies Overshadowing our cries of unrooted ties Yet we are kings and queens whose vocal and thoughts are drowned in songs of misery putting a blame on a history forgetting that we are writer of rhymes ancient tellers of times beat makers and creators yet we are so stressed and oppressed that we fail to flip the page let go of the rage set the stage ablaze life in conscious of our roots and know who I, YOU, WE, and THEY know who we BE

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featured poems | 2009

Stardust

(For President Barack Obama)

Nyakale Mokgosi The universe heaves under the yoke Prejudice projected like a lazerbeam

Red hills of Marrakech

Red hills of Georgia worship Your rock star presence, omnipotent

Precise sound bites, mercurial, omniscient

The world delights absolutely At your crowning glory All the way to your sunshine state Your cause just, promising bountiful harvest

Sweating bullets Wheeling and dealing with devils Angles, shamans & sinister forces You don’t kow-tow as the invisible man, very well

Mc Cain’s dream morphs into nightmare You steal the spotlight, all the fanfare He wobbles on arthritic legs for dear life Salvaged by sinfully wealthy life

Seduction by master: bar none

Constellations of stars and gods anoint you

Success smells sweeter than

A French fragrance factory Cheerleaders in ghettoes & leafy suburbs Dance to your digitized revolution Radiating inner peace & calm In tumultuous timer, you are a balm Acolytes salivate, whiff of your golden stardust Your tremulous virus infects, inspires Soul-stirring oratory’s your hustle Bohemian mothers rears a king for his castle Soulful, tantalizing voice that stops the traffic No need to rumble like thunder Ali and you float like butterfly Immune to the calamity of a bad afro day 52

2009 | featured poems

Statue of freedom sings Negro spirituals Mandela’s bridge’s an omen for threadbare, rocky road Spirals from Newtown to New York Fortuitously via Rwanda and Ramallah Scalffolding for impossible dreams Divine freshman from Harvard Brainy, beautiful Michelle presciently Trains, tames the tiger Rub her nose gently against yours

Your loins dance, her style, stardust Rubs stealthily, on the quiet

You light up, electricity the universe Caught up in the rapture of your magnificence Black heavy clouds gather ominously Kabul, Kinshasa, Baghdad, Tel aviv, Gaza, Darfur Lincoln, Macolm, Martin, Stokely,Elridge, Rose Park, Angela Davis, Gwen Brooks Kathleen Battle, Jessye Norman Sonia Sanchez, Maya Angelou, Bruce Springsteen Sings from one sizzling songsheet Negro spirituals, Gershwin, Cole porter Burt Bucharach, blend into electric orchestra Godsend, a man of the moment, a man of the hour Rhythms in black jazzed up, on a jagged edge Long classy pianistic fingers like Duke Ellington When sparrow sing they sound like you Stupendous music heals, flows like the Mississippi America’s a giant kite without a string The world’s a frozen lake, defrosted by the energy u bring

Obama! Obama! stay the course, the world’s broken When u fall; rise up for the people have spoken

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featured poems | 2009

I heard fame and fashion calling your name Neo Molefe (shameeyaa)

I heard fame and fashion calling your name.

I saw your shadow following this command.

Heard you say, mama, is this the result of my lucky stars!”

I saw your picture in a tabloid today, I heard men ululating at your nakedness Saw them fantasizing and hoping to embed their lusts to you.

I heard your mama telling neighbours, “my daughter is now famous, tlala inyile!!”.

I saw you walking to that boardroom Wearing a pin-stripped-power hungry-suit with red stilettos Holding a pen, wanting to sign That paper, with no tariffs and quotas So you can easily and promptly trade and traffic your services For the world to see your face in that glossy mag!

I heard you telling your mother, “mama, tlala inyile, ma-Nigerian a, aneva aje tshelete ya-oil ali-one”

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2009 | featured poems

Letter to those in the democratic republic Dafa

to those I call my own and i own to those who give me corn when in tears i mourn to those in the fatherland whose father has grown so old yet so cold when everything started to fold he denied the crumble his face bold beckoning the ship to the falls in a wake of missing teeth and broken bones

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featured poems | 2009

On Xenophobia Mandy Mitchel You read the newspapers; Horror at what is happening; Disbelief and shame.

I prefer not to look; Block my ears To shut out your words.

You say there are people Laughing and eating While others are burning.

I think it could be us.

Instead we drive In our smart cars; Collect our children From private schools; Return to safe homes And cook supper.

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(May 2008)

2009 | featured poems

Celebration Fathima Dawood

Jubilantly, excitedly, unabashedly celebrating, Spiritedly, animatedly, enjoyably consorting, Awakening to the heat of our African Sun, Cavorting so splendidly in our gathering so grand, We applaud our efforts by enjoining our hands, Declaring our presence that enhances our land, Honing our talents in this spirit of adventure, Coming together and appreciating our diverse culture, Awakening to this creed we have entwined in each heart, I implore your frivolity and absolute mirth, Hear ye the sounds of the heartbeat of our land, Seek the sublime in our breathtaking sight, Succumb to the richness of our deep African delights, Soak in the laughter of our dizzying heights, Discover the freedom sensuous surrender, Seek the free fall and let yourself wander....

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featured poems | 2009

Kiss Me Honestly Liya Bona

Kiss me honestly Though the world be false Kiss me urgently Even youth has not all the time in the world Kiss me sweetly Saturate me; cleanse a world of bitterness in this heart Kill me with tenderness There is so little of it in the world.

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2010 | featured poems

Heritage

Khomotjo Manthata Empowered spaces, wounded and bleeding. Heritage we passed down from generations to generations. Word of mouth; which inevitably led to re-adoptions with the passing of time.

I heard voices in anguished songs. The pulse of my mind become so solid…pounding and throbbing, the fractured rhythm passed and moved us. Hideous memories trigger hate and guns.

The elegance of memory, I used to wonder and now I know. There will be no dreaming about escape. There were dreams once, but now we know enough to have known the dream.

Our heritage now lives without a shadow. On other days like a slave.

There are no sanctions forcing us to learn anything about our heritage. Stage brutality, but death is not new.

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featured poems | 2010

Lest we forget Vuyokazi Yonke

and our ideals desert as dried bones in a desert the sacrifice made the price paid into earth their blood seeped up to the sky bodies heaped the youth of seventy six who laid freedom’s bricks Biko, Hani, Tambo Nalucanda uhambo (you set out the journey) Nalufeza ugqatso (you completed the race) Sayifumana inkululeko ngegama (we received freedom in name only) Iziqhamo zayo anazingcamla (its fruits you never tasted) Noko zona sezibukrakra (though they have become sour) Ulutsha lusifa yingculaza (the youth dying of aids) Ngamaxa ndizive ndizibuza (at times I ask myself) Yiyo lenkululeko na (is this the freedom) Ubomi benu nazincama (you sacrificed your lives) Vukani sizwe esimnyama (rise up black nation) Eternally you slept Silently we wept Let us not forget Let the words of the poet Be the truth serum to inject Consciousness so we remain alert To unchain our mental shackles yet So we may not forget And not regret, lest we forget

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2010 | featured poems

Free

Mapitsane Maila Free my pocket from debt, free my wallet Free my hearts desire, free my thoughts Free my life from this hold, free my soul from the flames Free me, financially ,spiritually , physically and mentally Free my people from the horrors of this disease willingly Free my life from being directed by dictators Free my brothers from the homicides and genocides Free my African leaders from a dictatorship mentality A Mentality that obliterates the dreams and goals of our youth Future is the focus but obstacles become the torture of life The obstacle that destroys the mentality of being well taught We want to be educated with a level of intelligence so that not with fear of being raped and killed or mislead you destroy my mental capacity by denying me the best of all freedom, Freedom is what I don‘t have because you are in power . free Africa , free my world free education , free success free your heart ,open your eyes let African soil be free for those who wish to grow in it let the people be proud to be African.

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featured poems | 2011

Let Us Deliver & Change The World!

Ntanjana Sisipho

Is there any wiseman’s pride to brighten my sight? as dark dug deep into my sight, Integrity and courage is all i can hope for, as it seems I swerved to the negative side like never before.

They smiled smeared and said ‘’one’s perception is the key point to wisdom, deceiving and wounding the cautious heart of the unaware, Killed my conscience and moved my life to despair!

Success was the target till failure sounded fine to one’s ear.

Look at what they did to my life!

Yesterday I had foes to share life with, Today I’m grieving like a lost calf looking for its parent.

Till my voice engulf the whole globe I’ll be the best, Till Nothing move to Everything I’ll rest.

Let us unloose the nuts that shape us for the better, Let us bear and share every Cent of hope and perseverance, Let us unfold our hands and coat them.

LET US DELIVER AND CHANGE THE WORLD!

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2011 | featured poems

In times of distress Keletso Thobega

In times of distress Plagued by the insanity of unrest The days of darkness when light seems a dream Thrust in corners of uncertainty The hole in my heart getting bigger Gripped by the claws of fear and pain All outlets closed from me My soul blooms like a flower in the sun Opening wide to the warmth of trust Rest if I might But yet I know The battle continues to see some better days to come My strength is my persistence Standing against my convictions Warped by the devil’s calling I quicken past to a place of positivism I was born naked Assured nothing Relying on hope in bleakness Murmuring gratitude on the days I woke to hear the birds chirping With every step I take With every turn I make

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featured poems | 2011

In Response to the Blood Elizabeth Wurz

I When I was a child, I tended to the garden for what seemed like months.

From the farm, across the cattle guard, I walked down Highway 60 past the Church of Christ.

Its well out back was covered with a square board small enough for me to slide away from the opening.

I hadn’t bought the seeds yet. I dropped pieces of gravel instead to test the water’s depth.

Ripples extended from where they entered— to the red mud and tree roots around the edge.

My body changed. In response to the blood, I conjured a terror of uterine tissue forming a web— binding my wrists, ankles and waist— tightening until I could not move.

I could not visualize myself in the role of the woman I internalized.

The rituals I created tranquilize me.

II It would have been a felony for me to buy and thaw a vial of semen, inject it close to my own cervix.

At the fertility clinic, the ultrasound showed three Clomid-ripened ovum.

The doctor injected thirteen million thawed and washed sperm close to my tubes.

III I have the ultrasound picture of Olivia at eight weeks after conception.

She is shaped like a seahorse.

At sixteen weeks, she looks more human. She is as long as my little finger.

In the 4-D photo, there are her eyebrows, eyelashes, hands, lips— and the cord.

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2011 | featured poems

Hymns of Tatane Reitumetse

Time has never lied, Its prophetic hands are like nightmares into charlatans dream, It hawks our true intentions through the shadow of history, In seeming-less rapture, numbing us to ephemeral realities, where we cuddle with the wind of a brewing storm Time has never lied, Neither has it gone astray from just-ness, Or to shun the folly of kings, In pure reverberation of Mohammed Bouazizi, Andries Tatane, Solomon Mahlangu, Steve Biko and many more, Time rests its allegiance in their ghostly utterances, That Truth is the only reality, Now its wind flows in Ficksburg, Tunisia, Sudan and Libya Breathing the resented air of the living dead Reminding of freedoms undelivered, How in the hell, did we think that time will not catch up with us.

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featured poems | 2011

nanúa

Yolanda Arroyo-Pizarro nanúa is born her mother is a friend who sings three languages yoruba’s of southwestern the Taino speaks the castellan the mom, my friend does not like the chains nor the cadalzo (scaffold) she hates also the carimbo (stamps) y los látigos (and the whips) so little is Nanúa black as a ash powders extinct from fire so soft as an aguacero leve (light downpour) she was named María by la ama (the mistress) share a few toys with la ama (the mistress) same age, both girls so clear skin, la ama (the mistress) so dark skin, la esclava (the slave) a Djembe drum whispering entenga pototó smiling both © Yolanda Arroyo-Pizarro

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2011 | featured poems

A Ditty Dance for Dalai Lama Mbuyiseni Oswald Mtshali

Dalai Lama! Dalai Lama!

I love you X2 O I love you O I want to be your friend.

O I love your stand Dalai Lama! Dalai Lama!

I love you X2 O I love you Why are you always smiling? when others are always scowling?

Why are you always so cool?

When others act like a fool?

Tell me, tell me, O tell me When are you going to be free? X2 Dalai Lama! Dalai Lama!

I love you X2 O I love you Put on your sharp pointed shoes They’ll stop singing the blues Then they’ll let you in And forgive your mortal sin Tell them you’re not the ghost of Osama But a dear friend of the mighty Obama That’s why you’re the Holy Dalai Lama O! That’s why I love you so O Dalai Lama! Dalai Lama X2 O! I love you X2 I want to be your friend I love your stand!

Tell me! Tell me O! Tell me!

When are you going to be free?

That’s what I want you to be!

AND THE WHOLE WORLD TO SEE FREEDOM!

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featured poems | 2012

Always a Suspect Mbuyiseni Oswald Mtshali

I get up in the morning and dress up like a gentleman – A white shirt a tie and a suit.

I walk into the street to be met by a man who tells me to ‘produce’.

I show him the document of my existence to be scrutinized and given the nod.

Then I enter the foyer of a building to have my way barred by a commissionaire ‘What do you want?’

I trudge the city pavements side by side with ‘madam’ who shifts her handbag from my side to the other, and looks at me with eyes that say ‘Ha! Ha! I know who you are; beneath those fine clothes ticks the heart of a thief.’

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2012 | featured poems

Why shed blood for bread?

Morula Wa Kutukgolo

With freedom I walk the streets.

With joy My body bouncing like a brand new ball.

That suddenly feels flattened as I freeze, Fixing my eyes on the side-street.

Packed with petrified Brothers and sisters, Who like demons were driven Out of shacks and flats, Taxis and trains, Houses and hostels.

Brothers and sisters isolated Till surrounded by stink and soil.

Brothers and sisters Brutally beaten and bullied, Cold and confused.

Refused the right To fend for food a while, To find refuge a while.

While war and poverty Rules and reigns In their home lands.

While disease and death Dominates and don’t discriminate.

Brothers and sisters Seeking the same while South Africans sought While fighting for freedom and equality.

The same freedom you now have To walk the streets With joy your body bouncing like a brand new ball, That not long ago felt flattened as you froze.

Due to being restricted and imprisoned.

Due to being looked down upon and ignored.

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featured poems | 2012

Manifesto zamantungwa

everything you have ever imagined already is. just pluck it out of the ether curl it up in your fist charge it up with good intent and throw it out to the world. with every fleeting thought your soul whispers to your future self that your true self already is. hidden between insecure and fear but all flinching isn’t fleeing so steady yourself. and when you listen to your inner voice and see with your inner eye you honour your past self. take care with every word you wield for every stroke carries a magic, a way into the hearts of many your authentic self is capable of brilliance. when you go below the surface. push yourself beyond mediocrity, you pay homage to those who came before you for even they knew fear but never flinched. with every triumph your true spirit shines

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FF The artist’s role is a relevant one... I, myself, don’t believe much of what politicians say but use my favourite poet or musician to relay to me the same message, I’m suddenly a believer. The artist’s gift and responsibility is to educate, to question, to declare, to analyse, enlighten and address... from personal matters, world matters, spiritual matters, moral matters, political, love, hate or simply as imaginative story tellers who can heal and make light of you heavy day at work!” ~ qairo muso, Poetry Potion 2011.03 The Relevance Issue

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poetry, fiction, non-fiction from indepedent publishers

in print and ebook format and self-published authors

up&coming

Tshepang Oageng, poet Nthabiseng Kgoronyane* spoke to two young, up and coming poets from Kuruman about their writing and inspiration.

Poetry Potion: Tell us about yourself?

Tshepang Oageng: My name is Tshepang Clifford Oageng from a small town called Kuruman. Tshepang is a friendly and social individual. I am dedicated and hard working.

PP: What are you passionate about?

TO: I am passionate about poetry and performing arts. Becoming successful is what drives my passion. Someday I would like to be able to inspire others to do the same.

PP: When did you start writing poetry and why?

TO: I started writing in 2008. The power of words intrigued me, the need to create something out of imagination, emotions, everyday life is what made me start to write. I found healing and growth in writing poems.

PP: What are your poems about?

TO: Love and perception.

PP: What is your inspiration?

TO: Just like the great poet Richard Eric Johnson, I am inspired by anything 74

that emotionally and intellectually attracts my five senses, other poets inspire me as well as events of everyday life.

PP: What is the hardest thing about being a poet?

TO: The challenge comes in finding the right words to fully convey my emotions. Being a poet in Kuruman, has its challenges as you do not get enough platforms to recite your poems to the crowd.

PP: Individual growth is important for everyone, what do you think is the crucial characteristic people should have in order to achieve growth and be successful?

TO: Perseverance is very crucial as nothing comes easy in life. Keeping positive at all times really does give one the strength to grow and learn from lessons that this journey to success teaches.

PP: Do you read novels, if yes which one are you reading at the moment?

TO: Yes, I do, I am currently reading Slave: My True Story by Damien Lewis and Mende Nazer.

PP: Who is your role model?

TO: My father PP: What are you currently busy with?

TO: I am studying Humanities at Wits University.

In dark they fall

Tshepang Clifford Oageng In dark they fall, create a river, Drown victims of heartaches, Help is out of sight, Fear of the unknown beast rules.

Our siblings hanged behind closed doors, Afraid to tell tail of this melody of teardrops.

Overwhelmed by pain, Suffocated by poverty.

I want to visit this place of darkness, Discover tears of hunger creating a river And lay a helping hand.

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up&coming

Thabiso Matupa, poet

“I am passionate about everything that brings growth and change in me.”

Poetry Potion: Who are you?

Thabiso Matupa: I am Thabiso Matupa but mostly known as Njabulo. I was raised by a single parent. I started writing poetry at school and since then I have been hooked by the power of words and the impact it has in people’s lives. I come from Kuruman, growing up in this town has influenced my personality as a young person.

PP: What is your inspiration?

TM: I draw inspiration from everything that I see. From the likes of Shakespeare to Don Mattera.

PP: What is the hardest thing about being a poet?

TM: It is when you hit writer’s block, I feel the urge to write yet I do not have a single clue what to write about.

PP: What is crucial for a person to grow as a poet?

TM: Read the work of other writers or poets, stay open minded and be ready to follow a word as it takes you into its own journey. Being observant is a good tool for any poet.

PP: Do you think that poets are well recognised in South Africa?

TM: Yes, poets are well recognised in South Africa because they have initiatives and projects that helps them to celebrate their work, not only poets but artistic personalities.

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PP: Do you think there is a career in being a writer?

TM: Yes there is yet it is not easy to pursue a career in writing.

PP: What kind of music do you listen to?

TM: I listen to all genres of music but at the current moment my favourite is hip hop and house genre.

We are all born intelligent Thabiso Matupa

We are all born intelligent, Only we decide whether to nurture it Or let it shrink.

Yes intelligence does come naturally, Just like a knife, it has to be sharpened over time.

Be on a continuous journey of self discovery, See the sky as your limit, But the ground as your beginning.

Be that change in other’s state of mind, Be the dream that says hope can be found.

*Nthabiseng Kgoronyane is a Journalism graduate to be. She grew up from a town called kuruman in Northern cape. Mostly known as Miss butterfly, her favorite colour is blue. She is known as one of the best debate candidate from her schooling years. She is a poet, stage actor, model and enjoys dancing as one of her greatest passions. She is adventure driven and dedicated to being an inspiration and motivation to others. Twitter @utterflynazFacebook@Nthabiseng kgoronyaneKind regardsNthabiseng

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writer’s block

the dreaded writer’s block For a while now, I’ve been thinking of a better way to name this section that deal with the writing craft. In the last issue I called it “craft” but that wasn’t poetic enough...

So this section is now going to be called Writer’s Block and will focus on offering tips, advice and a focus on form and craft when writing poetry. ______

“Who is more to be pitied, a writer bound and gagged by policemen or one living in perfect freedom who has nothing more to say?” ~ Kurt Vonnegut At one time or another you may have let this frustrate you away from writing but if you’re a writer serious about writing... then you can’t afford to let a writer’s block (real or not) get in your way.

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For this edition, to play on the phrase, we’re featuring some quotes from past interviews about how they deal with having a writer’s block... As you will know we ask every writer we ever speak to about the dreaded writer’s block.

Writer’s block the condition of being unable to think of what to write or how to proceed with writing.

Do you every experience a writers’ block, if yes, how do you deal with it.Kwame Dawes (2012.01) Banish the concept of writers block. It’s not true. It’s something we made up.

The truth is writer’s block is essentially that maybe you don’t have anything to say. What you have to do is to say to yourself as a writer, even if I don’t have anything to say, I must make myself ready for when I have something to say. So for me [that means] craft, practising.

I write haikus, I write essays. Some of it makes no sense. It’s not really good stuff but I’m learning. So [that] when the idea comes, I’m ready for it.

Matome, 21 Poetry and a Poem (2012.02) I forget. I put it on the side. I move on to something else. At times, it’s a case of taking a walk, talking to someone, having a conversation. I play the piano as well, so I get onto the keyboard and play hoping that it will stimulate my mind somehow. Sometimes, when you’ve taken a break ideas come.

Donald, 21 Poets and a Poem (2012.02) I struggle quite a bit with that because I [always] try to push myself creatively. It becomes difficult because I try to beat what I’ve done before.

I normally pray, I pray before I write, whenever I have a block I pray. And Matome’s process is one of the best, I also leave. Quite a lot of [my] poems I started, left them and [later] came back to finish. [The urge to write} comes back in various ways, through conversation, through music and other activities that stimulate the mind. The subconscious mind is fascinating in that even though you’ve left it, subconsciously you’re still working on it because you know you want to complete it. There are various ways but primarily I pray.

Prayer is the best because I feel God should write everything for me.

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ebook available for free at http://theblmstore.net...

for sale at http://theblmstore.net...

The Short Story is Dead, Long Live the Short Story!

Volume 1 A collection of short stories and poems celebrating Short Story Day Africa 2012. This collection features voices from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Nigeria.

Published by Black Letter Media (Pty) Ltd

q&a

ProVerb’s Writers Club

image from proverbmusic.net

As Lauryn Hill once sang, music is supposed to inspire. It seems to me that ProVerb couldn’t possible create a song that doesn’t inspire. His latest offering Writers’ Club has us all bumping heads in appreciation to one of SA’s hardest working and emcee as he raps...

“I write what I like and I like what I write. I like to be right but I don’t really write to be liked.”

We sent him a few Qs to find out what inspired this song that the BLM family now claim as our anthem.

Poetry Potion: What inspired Writer’s Club?

ProVerb: I was just feeling inspired to write one morning and wrote the first line “I write what I like and i like what I write” from there my mind starting thinking deeper about my passion for writing but also my views about the craft of writing as a whole and also challenging fellow creatives and writers to also re-engage in the art. I challenged myself to satisfy both disciplines of maintaining clever and witty wordplay while carrying this theme and also asking the right questions.

PP: You’re one of the most inspiring artists out there, and you don’t seem try to hard. Why did you choose to make music that’s so inspiring? Why not booty/bottle popping route?

PRO: I’m very inspired in my own personal life and I’m very self-driven so I choose to use my craft to carry this theme in the hopes of also inspiring others to strive for better. I personalise my music and allow it to mirror my life. This means I speak on what I know, experience, my views and opinions.

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I don’t live the “bottle popping life” so I can’t speak on that. I’m a father, a husband, a career-driven individual and a creative and these are areas I prefer to put in the forefront of my material.

PP: In your video, you feature poets (Napo, Kojo and Lebo), scriptwriters (Libby and Angus, who’s also a producer), an actor/writer (Jerry Mofokeng) and an emcee/producer (Amunishn). What influenced your choices?

PRO: Writing stretches beyond music and in my attempt to highlight this I called on the best writers I had at my disposal, of as wide a variety as possible. Hence I invited poets, screenwriters, editors, playwrights and emcees to say writing is an art-form whichever way you choose to express it.

I also highlight all the different writing forms like graffiti, calligraphy, scrolls etc.

PP: All your albums, even your chosen name references writing, reading, books, a deeper consciousness. It’s clearly not a random selection. Please talk a bit about the thought process behind how you name your albums?

PRO: I’m all about writing and even though it’s music, I value the written word and I want people to also remain mindful of the lyrics at all times while listening to my work. Beyond the production, the beats, the melodies, I want the focus to also be in the message, the lyrics, the thoughts behind it. I’ve chosen the book theme consistently with all my albums primarily to showcase that I’m more just about the music, but about the written word and concepts too. I often even went as far as putting all the lyrics in my sleeves to say focus on the words not just the rhymes.

PP: What is your process of writing? What comes first - a beat or a lyric, a poem or a melody?

PRO: First it’s the concept, I ask myself what is this about, what am I trying to say, what’s the moral of the story and then begin to craft that concept into a lyric. Everything else falls into place after that including the rhyme pattern the rhythm and ultimately the accompanying music. Every so now and then I would hear the music first which would perhaps inspire a concept then the process would work backwards.

PP: You seem to be always up to something. Does the writing ever get sidelined by all the other work? How do you balance it?

PRO: Never, writing is such an integral part of who I am. I don’t always have the luxury of time to literally sit and scribe but nowadays one can create on anything ipad, cellphone or even just scribble on a piece of paper and later compile the little thoughts into a complete piece of work. So busy as I am I 83

always make the time to put my thoughts down.

PP: This is a question I ask all the poets I interview: Do you ever experience a writer’s block? If yes, how do you deal with it?

PRO: Of course, regularly in fact. For me this just means you have nothing to write about at the moment so I try never to force or rush inspiration. I’d rather not write then until I have a compelling story to tell. It’s like a conversation, if you have nothing valuable to say rather say nothing until a new thought enters your mind, same thing. I can go up to a month without writing a single idea, but the inverse also happens where I get flooded with ideas and I can’t write them fast enough.

PP: Poets likes to play with music and, certainly, in the world of Slam Poetry, hip hop has major influence on style, rhythm and approach to subject matter. How does poetry influence your work?

PRO: I don’t consider myself a poet but I do admit to have poetic influences in my style of writing. I have a high and very acute appreciation for poetry. This is one art-form that explores avenues where music is unfortunately limited.

Grammar is challenged, convention is dismantled and the mind is free to roam. Poets have the ability to transport to places you’ve never been and also offer new and often inexplicable perspectives and this is what I just thrive on. I try and approach my music with the same open-mindedness as a poet would his/her poetry and also challenge boundaries.

PP: Does poetry feature in your life (that is, away from music), I find that often musically inclined people will ignore literature whereas most writers I know find inspiration in music. What is your take in that?

PRO: I consciously try and expose myself to as much poetry and literature as I can. I’ve attended a few poetry sessions and unfortunately they are few and far between plus the unforgiving schedule but when I can I do. I also have a few books that I collect and a few Def Jam poetry DVDs at home.

To engage further and find out more visit www.proverbmusic.net

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FF “Truth is the only grasp of freedom we have left...” ~ Keletso Thobega, Poetry Potion 2011.03 The Relevance Issue

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contributors Sihle Ntuli (@districtsn) is a writer from Durban. His other works can be seen on Sang Bleu,Litnet and Itch. Sihle’s personal blog is districtsn.tumblr.com.

Saaleha Bamjee is a freelance writer based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

She is interested in food pornography, paper-crafts and poems about secrets.

She blogs at www.saaleha.com Indigolunarh is a recovering undercover overlover, recovering from a love a cant get over, a film graduate, aspiring actress, poet, story teller, a believer of God, Lover of all things musical,a hippy and a bundle of joy. :) http://www. indigolunarh.tumblr.com Tommy Dennis is a student at UCT who likes to write when he can, however he can.

Tinashe Muchuri is an actor, blogger, performing poet, storyteller and author.

His poetry has appeared in International journals and seven anthologies, two of them Shona. He has performed poetry at arts festivals in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa region. He wants to change the world with words and believes only words will change the world not arms of war. Poetry is a language that defines, connect, unite and develop humanity. Through poetry the world finds its lost self and gathers itself. After all poetry is his prayer and the voice to which he speaks to God. http://mudararatinashemuchuri.blogspot.com I am a 23-year old graduate of English and Literary Studies. I majored in Literature. Writing has been at the core of my existence for as long as I can remember. Through my work, I hope to shed light on the plight of the human race and workings of the mind. Hence, the reason I adopted Gnosis as a pen name. I love art and, above all, I appreciate Jesus, the primary source of my inspiration. I weave words that I may change perceptions. I am the vessel of truth. I am Gnosis Victor Akarachi Nwogu is a prolific poet who has written several poems. He is the author of Blossomed Cherries: the ultimate love experience. He is a motivational speaker, a philosopher and a careful observer of things. He hails from Abia State in Nigeria http://www.creatingabrandnewworld.blogspot.com Born Motlatsi Mary Thosago to Keli Elizabeth and Sephodi Lucas Thosago, Morula Wa Kutukgolo is a blessed lady who writes what the spirit likes. To God be all the honor and all the glory.

Kabelo Mashishi is a 28 year old Male from Maboloka, North west. He started writing poetry from 2000 to date. He basically writes about any and

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every thing that inspires him and events that are happening around our world. http://www.facebook.com/kjmashishi1 Ashraf Booley is a 21 year old poet who graduated with his English degree from the University of the Western Cape. He currently works as a Trainee Business Analyst and pursues his postgraduate studies part-time at the Universiy of Cape Town. His first poem was published in the UWC multilingual anthology, This is My Land, launched at the Franschoek Literary Festival in 2012. He enjoys theatre, film and cooking.

Charl Landsberg is a poet passionately concerned about issues of class, race, poverty, sexuality and religion. His poetry reflects not only a critique of the structures of abuse themselves but also with the human suffering involved giving his poetry a personal tone. http://aplaceformypoetry.blogspot.com/ Honey badger in female form. Rose Desiree Mthanti is from Johannesburg in South Africa. She works as a Recruitment Officer in a Disability Academy called I Can. She is currently 21 years old. She believes that poetry is a word that is spoken by the hand. Writing, sometimes can be the only place that some people may fully expressive themselves. So if this be the area where some can fully express themselves, why not write?

Andiswa Onke Maqutu is a third year Accounting student at Wits University.

Accounting is her husband and writing her lover.

Mohamed Abdiaziz is his Father’s son. He was born on 26/06/1982 in Mandera, a small town on the border between Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia.

His parents were immigrants from Ethiopia and he, ridiculous as it may sound, is a Kenyan Somali. He trained at Egerton University, Nakuru Kenya as a clinician. Currently he is an aid worker based in Somalia. He uses poetry as a getaway from his daily routine. Poetry helps him find his inner voice and calm.

He also writes short stories as and when moved. He has some of his poems and short stories published on the web.

Victor Akarachi Nwogu is a prolific poet who has written several poems. He is the author of Blossomed Cherries: the ultimate love experience. He is a motivational speaker, a philosopher and a careful observer of things. He hails from Abia State in Nigeria

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the poets brewing the potion since 2007 Righteous the Common Man, Kabelo Mofokeng, Nyakale Mokgosi, Zwesh fi Kush, Allan Kolski Horwitz, Tshegofatso Monaisa, Yoliswa Mogale, zamantungwa, Rick Thomas, Liya Bona, Mandy Mitchell, Chisanga Kabinga, Torry Msimango, Felix Erasmus, Heletia Smit, Jaco vd Westhuizen, Khanyo Mjamba, Maikutlo, Morula wa Kutukgolo, Pamella Dlungwane, Sihle Ntuli, Yorric Watterott, Zhaunine Petersen, Dafa, Darshana Nagar, Masechaba Letsela, Neo Shameyaa Molefe, Genna Gardini, Sehlohlo Piet Rampai, Ephraim Zuva, Brendan Hepburn, XorPoodleKing, M Rantoa, Ayabulela Tutuse, Ephraim Zuva, Alexander Kane, Bongani Ngcobo, Mr Christyle, Keletso Thobega, Fezekile Futhwa, Samuel Ndango, Bulumko Filadesto Jacobs-kaNyamezele, Fathima Dawood, Vanessa Cardui, Kgosietsile Dinthloane, Sabelo wa ka Methula, Jaco Jacobs, Esther van der Vyver, Rudene Watt, Mduduzi Benedict Gama, Kella Kil s, Mduduzi Benedict Gama, Mapitsane Maila, Blou Leask, Jaco Jacobs, David wa Mahlaamela, Yoric Watterott, Khomotjo Manthata, Keileng Junior, Tracy Swain, Mapitsane Maila, Vuyokazi S Yonke, The Skeleton Coast, Siza Nkosi, Gert Hanekom, Guy Richie, Esther van der Vyver, Abigail George, Raymond Mupatapanja, Reitumetse Sefolo, Aboo Hansa, Ndumiso Sikhakhane, Sphe Artee, Nick Purdon, Soulful Flyer, Vic Mahlangu, Aloysius Gonzaga, Stella Ashworth, Kabelo Mashishi, Sekgokgo Tshesane, Siyanda Kwaza, Reitumetse Johnson, Aubrey Ngwenya, Thabo Jijana, Ntanjana Sisipho, Ndumiso Sikhakhane, Toni Stuart, Busisiwe Khanyile, Annique Le Roux, Samuel Azubuike Duru, Lethlogonolo Mashego, Carol Ronaldson, Lwazi Prolific, M Jay Mutle, Gavintonks, Miriam Dube, Elizabeth Wurz, Masingita Masiya, Sinovuyo Nkonki, Natural_Mystic, Danieluv, Monique Barnard, Similo Gobingca, Jazz Africa, Tosin, Rantoloko ‘The Truth’ Molokoane, Yoshira Marbel, Dinitah, Anthea de Bruyn, Juliejacqui, Yolanda ArroyoPizarro, angelluv, Tosin Otitoju, Kofi Baako Pe, Mbuyiseni Oswald Mtshali, Clinton de Wee, Kofi Baako Pe, elle, Verity Maud, Afrikavrou, Noni, Su, Jazz Africa, Mbuyiseni Oswald Mtshali, Daniel Bogogolela, Simiso Slashfire Sokhela, Simphiwe Phukwane, Dina Koumatse, Galapagos, Bandung, Poet Mau Mau, Mbuzobuciko, Soul Child, CJ, Sarah Lauzon, Shimo, Moonviolets, Modise, Africanchild, Azola Dayile, Esosa Omo-Usoh, Ayodeji Morakinyo, Uduak Robert, Sonny, Roland Ndu Akpe, Diliza L Madikiza, Lazola Pambo you name on this list... submit those poems!

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