Reviving spoken-word poetry
It is more likely to be like this, when poets from different hamlets gather at Kwa Haraba Art Gallery in Blantyre on Saturday:
A poet— it may be the turn of Yangairo, Panacea, Tendai, Gemini or Yankho Seunda— walks to the stage, looks up, maybe takes time to clear the throat, and the audience, hungry for words, leans forward.
If it would be Yankho’s turn, the audience can rest assured that ‘Expectations’ is one of the poems on the menu. If it is somebody’s turn, the words will still flow out of the mind.
This will be the scene when poets meet on Saturday and, according to one of the organisers, Seunda, all is set for the feast of words.
“You may wish to remember that since Mibawa Cafe relocated from Blantyre Central Business District, we have been like orphans and English spoken-word poetry was in decline. This was happening while our friend were Chichewa vernacular poetry friends were making in-roads.
“We are, therefore, happy that we have Kwa Haraba Art Gallery. We are geared to reviving English spoken-word poetry,” Seunda said.
Maybe this is the reason they have opted for the theme ‘The Rise of Spoken Word Poetry’.
Those billed to perform include Yangairo, Panacea, Tendai, Gemini and Seunda.
Eddie Malata will be at hand to spice the performance with songs while renowned actress Flora Suya and Seunda will co-host.
Finally, it will be said; yes, the words the poets have been hiding in their minds will be heard.
A vibrant writer who gives a great insight on hot topics and issues
