30 poets from 13 countries descend on Johannesburg for a groundbreaking experience of words and rhythms at the 10th Poetry Africa to take place at Museum Africa in Newtown. The line-up includes the iconic Lebogang Mashile; the return to South Africa of poet-activist LefifiTladi, the poetry of dramatist-columnist John Matshikiza, and the re-emergence of Africanist poet Mafika Gwala. This edition of Poetry Africa sees the welcome return of UK poet Benjamin Zephaniah, whose sharp edge has wowed audiences in previous festivals. Read on for more info…

The rich texture of African lyrical story-telling finds expression through Alhaji Papa Susso, master kora player from Gambia; Kama Kamanda a prolific poet of rich idiom and metaphor from Democratic Republic of Congo; with Perpetual Eziefule-Emenekwum from Nigeria, whose poetry merges music and dance and the literary genius of Eduardo White from Mozambique. 

A vibrant Zimbabwean contingent includes music from Oliver Mtukudzi, legendary Julius Chingono and dynamic young theatre- comedy duo The Guests (Victor Mavedzenge and Michael Kudakwashe), whose poetry incorporates painting, drama and comedy. Music is infused throughout and jazz legends Pops Mahomed and Bheki Khoza will accompany story-teller Gcina Mhlope. There is a special performance by maskanda star Shiyani Ngcobo. Henry Bowers and his Swedish hip-hop trio add a cool far-north flavour. Slam champion Bowers is pitted against Durban poets Lexikon, Mputlane Wa Bofelo, and Ewok in the SlamJam, with a decidedly African twist through the inclusion of imbongi Jessica Mbangeni. 

The Museum Africa event includes award-winning Finuala Dowling; Makhosazana Xaba and Rustum Kozain and Mzi Mahola with Sally-Ann Murray – all of whom have recently published works PLUS Keorapetse Kgositsile, Dennis Brutus, Lisa Combrinck, Lesego Rampolokeng, Pitika Ntuli, !Bushwomen, Kojo Baffoe and others.

Satellite events prior to the main event will happen on the 6th of October in Newtown

13:00 

Xarra Books 
West to South – African poetry showcase – Perpetual Eziefule-Emenekwum (Nigeria) and Mzi Mahola (South Africa) 

21:00 

Shivava Café
kora meets maskandi – Shiyani Ngcobo (Durban’s maskandi star) and Alhaji Papa Susso (Gambia – world renowned kora artist)

23:00 

Horror Café
HipHop: Sweden meets Jozi – Henry Bowers band (Sweden) with Lexikon,Mputlane Wa Bofelo, Ewok and Optical Illusion (South Africa)

Poetry Africa is organized by the Centre for Creative Arts (UKZN). The full program, biographies and photos, are available on www.cca.ukzn.ac.za Phone 031-2602506 or contact
cca@ukzn.ac.za.

Parking is available behind the Market Theatre and at the Oriental Plaza where a shuttle will be running every 10minutes for the main event on the 7th of October

Where: Museum Africa – Newtown Johannesburg
When: 7 October 2006 
Time: 6pm 
Cost: R60

DOWNLOAD THE FLYER HERE (PDF)

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