Award-winning poet Lebo Mashile. Picture: Supplied
The University of Johannesburg Arts & Culture is set to host the Joburg chapter of the Poetry Africa International Festival, a highly anticipated event showcasing poetry and creative arts from October 3 to 5.
The festival’s return to Joburg promises to be a highlight on the cultural calendar, offering audiences an opportunity to engage with the power of words and the beauty of artistic expression.
For three days, poets, artists, and cultural enthusiasts will come together for an unforgettable celebration of creativity and expression.
Poetry Africa has a rich history of showcasing the diverse voices of poets and artists from across the globe.
“We are once again thrilled to be the Joburg home of the ‘Poetry Africa International Festival’. For us, it is a particularly exciting iteration of the festival as UJ Arts & Culture will present its brand new spoken word production, ‘(R)evolution of Words’, written by award-winning poet Lebo Mashile, directed by Jade Bowers, and curated by Lebo Mashile, Jade Bowers, and Quaz Roodt. It explores both the South African poetry canon and contemporary voices, featuring poems from the Grade 11 and 12 curricula alongside modern poets who reflect and challenge today’s zeitgeist and will be performed at the festival in Joburg and Durban.
“The festival is a valuable opportunity for our students, those who participate in our poetry program and others, as well as UJ staff with our loyal audiences to participate in and enjoy one of the biggest annual spoken word events on the continent,” said Pieter Jacobs, head of UJ Arts & Culture.
On October 3, the Keorapetse Kgositsile Memorial Lecture celebrates the legacy of one of Africa's most influential poets. This event will delve into Kgositsile’s profound impact on poetry and his contributions to the literary world, with reflections and discussions on his lasting influence. Dr Uhuru Phalafala will present the lecture, hosted by Siphindile Hlongwa. The stage will also feature responses from Afurakan, Makhosazana Xaba, Frank Meintjies, and Sarah Godsell.
On October 4, UJ will host the Slam Semi-Finals with the top 10 Poetry Africa slammers as they vie for a spot in the final showdown. This intense semi-final showcases their most compelling performances, with the top contenders moving closer to being crowned Poetry Africa Slam Champion and representing South Africa on the world stage.
The (R)evolution of Words: October 5
The event will be caped off on October 5 by Revolution of Words, a dynamic poetry show designed to immerse students in the world of poetry. It explores the South African poetry canon and contemporary voices, featuring poems from the Grade 11 and Grade 12 curricula alongside modern poets who reflect and challenge today’s zeitgeist.
The show is written by award-winning poet Mashile, directed by Bowers, and curated by Mashile, Bowers, and Roodt.
The Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za