Poetry tour comes to Komani

The National 21-City Fresh Poetry Tour, the first of its kind in SA, and headlined by three renowned spoken word artists, Siphokazi Jonas, Emmah Mabye, and Puno Selesho, is set for Komani later in February.

The main poets will share the stage with special guest poets and the tour will showcase opening acts from more than 20 towns and cities from around the country.

The Komani leg will be headlined by Jonas and Mabye whose voices are distinctly South African.

Their writing is incisive and provoking, speaking truth to power, reflecting on faith, politics, identity, and the concerns of young South Africans, according to a statement from Fresh Impressions founder Harold Moyo.

“These poets are well established as fiery performers who have a transformative presence on stage, and they share extensive experience around the country and abroad.”

Jonas, who grew up in Komani and is a Queenstown Girls’ High School Old Girl, was the first African poet in 2016 to perform at the largest Christian poetry event in the world, in Los Angeles, in California.

According to the statement, she also holds the 2015 crown of the Cape Town Ultimate Slam and was the runner-up for the 2016 Sol Plaatje European Union Award. She also made history as the first poet to release a live poetry DVD of its kind,

in SA.

Mabye is a published author who has not only won an AfriCAN Authors award for her debut collection, but she has also staged the book as a production at the South African State Theatre. Her work has travelled to schools, corporates, churches, national radio and television, and she has performed for the Presidency at the South African Local Government Association (Salga) 2016 national conference.

The two will be joined by multi-talented guest poet, and Komani resident Michelle Mbolompo, who is a presenter on Lukhanji FM.

Moyo stresses that it is important for South African audiences to appreciate South African artists.

The event will take place at St Michael’s on February 17 from

1pm. General tickets are R100 and VIP tickets R200.

For more information and tickets, contact Harold Moyo on

076-426-3508. Tickets also available at .