By Mohalenyane Phakela
MASERU — Poetry is Alive shines once more by presenting phenomenal South African comedians and poets alongside the home brewed poetry acts at Maseru Sun tonight.
Poetry is Alive has grown to become the epitome of poetry culture in Lesotho that attracts scores of people.
This time the show will be a bit different as poets battle with words against a comedian.
“Sheila The-Eagle Productions has taken the oath to revive the poetry spirit in Lesotho.
Poetry is Alive has grown from a session to being a massive movement that has now got a radio slot on Ultimate FM which airs on Thursdays,” founder of the movement Sheila Khala told the Weekender on Monday.
“The movement’s mission is to extract and explore that raw talent from students in different schools.
“I have worked with Ultimate FM, visiting different schools around the country hosting poetry competitions.
“I do give them a chance of rocking the microphone alongside established poets. In the last show I gave that platform to Manako Mpoka from Leribe English Medium School. In this show Ntsie from Mohale’s Hoek will be doing his thing.
“I believe putting them under the spotlight will help them flourish as these children are passionate about what they do and are quite optimistic,” she said.
The show will have Itumeleng Molise who is one of the few credible comedians from the Free State who have represented the province in a show So You Think You Are Funny alongside revered David Kau.
He will be coming with poets Thando Ngcobo from Durban, Nthabiseng Mangojane from Qwa-qwa and the lady who made the Macufe Poetry Festival a success, Jahrose, up against Khatala and upcoming local poets.
“I see a bright future for local poets as we are able to share the stage with South African poets.
“I am hoping that we will break the boundaries by hosting United States’ poets in addition to the ones from the rest of Africa.”
Talking about the radio slot Sheila said: “Poetry, like any other genre, is a form of art; the show is all about giving local talent a platform and attention.
Ultimate FM is a youth station that aims at exploring local talent so this is our chance.”
