Mohalenyane Phakela
Entertainment outfit, Sheila the Eagle Productions, is set to host a poetry show under the Poetry is Alive banner at Bonhomme High School in Mohale’s Hoek on Saturday.
Poetry is Alive has grown in stature to become the mainstay of the poetry culture in Lesotho and has attracted a loyal following.
In a bid to broaden its reach in Lesotho, the movement will be launched in other districts and Mohale’s Hoek will be the first port of call.
“Poetry is Alive has been nurturing young, upcoming poets since its inception,” said the movement’s founder, Shiela Khala, in an interview with the Weekender this week.
“The movement’s passion for the spoken word has positively affected and infected not only Lesotho but some parts of South Africa.”
The event is also meant to celebrate the exploits of budding poet Ntsie Phetoane, who was discovered by Khala during a poetry competition last year.
“The movement’s mission is to extract raw talent in different schools,” Khala stated.
“Last year I worked with Ultimate FM, visiting different schools around the country and hosting poetry competitions. This is where I came across the talented Ntsie.
“Ntsie’s first performance on the big stage was when we hosted South African poet JahRose last year and he proved to be a brilliant poet.
“This young, upcoming and determined poet is the reason we will be in Mohale’s Hoek to celebrate the power of his word that has grown enormously.
“Ntsie will be performing in his hometown this time for his community to witness the intensity of his talent, and he will be accompanied by Naledi Mabeleng from South Africa as well as me.”
“Ntsie did not only inspire me as a poet,” went on Khala, “but he reminds me of the time when I wanted my poetry to be known and heard by other nations.”
“Now when I see those whom I groomed showing this much passion, the least I can do is support them,” she added.
Poetry is Alive has, over the years, hosted international wordsmiths in Lesotho which has helped give exposure to local poets.
