There is a need to document African experiences through poetry and literature, to ensure that the stories of today are preserved through the years.
This was according to Mawande Ndywamba, the host of a virtual poetry event that took place in celebration of Africa Day on 25 May. The event was organised by Lokxion Poetry House, a project under the Lokxion Foundation, with the intention of encouraging conversations around the significance of Africa Day, according to Paul Khambule, the managing director of Lokxion Foundation.
The month of May is Africa Month, with Africa Day taking place on 25 May each year. This year, Africa Month is celebrated under the theme, “The year of Arts, Culture and Heritage: in the year of Charlotte Maxeke”. Charlotte Maxeke (1872 – 1939) was a South African social and political activist, who worked to create opportunities and equality for women in South Africa, according to an article by Marianna Botes. INFOGRAPHIC: Tamsin Metelerkamp
Lokxion Foundation is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that “showcases and celebrates life in the townships surrounding Stellenbosch through sport and performing arts”, according to their Facebook page.
The poetry evening was attended by 18 people, including the four featured poets. The event took place via Zoom, and was also live streamed on Facebook and YouTube, said Khambule.
“[The poetry event is] really a chance to create a conversation amongst Africans,” said Khambule. “To look…where should we be, as Africans, going forward? And what continent do we want to leave behind for the generation to come?”
Sihle Dolophini, one of the poets who performed at the event, said that Lokxion Foundation has provided a platform for poets to come up with ideas and present work that is valuable.
The virtual event that was organised by Lokxion Poetry House to celebrate Africa Day involved performances in various African languages. Sihle Dolophini, one of the poets who performed at the event, recited poetry in his home language, isiXhosa. PHOTO: Supplied/Sihle Dolophini
“My dream one day is to see poetry labeled as one of the genres of music in South Africa – not just literature – as poetry is dead on the paper until some voice brings it to life,” said Sihle.
The event aimed to include participants from different backgrounds and countries, according to Ndywamba. A performer from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ruth Ntumba Tshidibi, and three performers from South Africa, participated in the event. They presented poems in various languages, including English, isiXhosa and Khoikhoi dialects.
Mawande Ndywamba, who was the host for the virtual poetry event organised by Lokxion Poetry House, speaks about the importance of poetry in celebrating African heritage.
“This year, as it is an online event, we had the chance to attempt to expand our reach,” said Ndywamba. “We wanted different voices that would speak on the same thing,” he added.
The organisation has been celebrating Africa Day through poetry for the past three years, according to Khambule.
“We normally plan our events at the beginning of the year, […] but because of Covid-19 and a lot of uncertainty, we’ve had to plan events one at a time,” said Ndywamba.
Previously, the Lokxion foundation held their Africa Day poetry evenings at the Stellenbosch University Museum. However, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the organisation plans to keep their events online for the rest of 2021, according to Mawande Ndywamba, the host for the poetry evening. PHOTO: Supplied/Mawande Ndywamba
During the course of the poetry evening, audience members were encouraged to engage with the poets and each other, according to Ndywamba.
“At our events, we encourage poetry with conversations,” said Ndyawamba. “So after each and every performance, […] we have interaction and engagement between the audience and the artists.”
Article updated on 28 May 2021