The popularity of the spoken word is evident in the powerful performance arc that threads through the 16th edition of Poetry Africa festival, organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) and made possible through principal funding from the South African National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund. Poetry Africa runs in Durban from 15 to 20 October with a satellite component taking place Zimbabwe from 8th to 9th of October.
The Poetry Africa Zimbabwe programme takes place at the new Book Café in Harare. On Monday, 8 October at 7pm, audiences can enjoy the Poetry and Music Expression Session, featuring a mix of musicians and poets, while the Poetry Africa Showcase takes place on Tuesday, 9 October at 8pm. The lineup for the Showcase features musician, composer and storyteller Pedro Espi-Sanchis (Spain/South Africa), popular Durban MC and slam poet Ewok, poet, novelist and human rights activist Philo Ikonyaof Kenya, Xhosa musician and storyteller Madosini, Nii Ayikwei Parkes a poet, editor, social commentator and author from Ghana, and the dynamic dub poet, educator and Jamaican-born performer D’bi Young. Local spoken word artist, Flowchyld, and poet, comedian, actor and composer Madzitatiguru, add a Zimbabwean flavor to the occasion.
Tickets for the Poetry Africa Showcase and the Poetry and Music Expression Session cost $5. A free discussion titled Poetry as a Voice for Africa takes place at Book Café at 5.30 pm before the Poetry Africa Showcase on Tuesday 9 October.
Featured poets include Madosini Latozi Mpahleni, Werewere Liking, Nii Ayikwei Parkes, and D'bi Young Anitafrika. Performances by Ki-Yi Mbock include music and ritual, often using marionettes.
Read the complete write-up on Zimbabwe Arts.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
For queries: newbookcafe.harare@gmail.com or call 263 – (0)86 440 66015 or 263 – (0)86 440 66622
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