Outspoken poet Ntsiki Mazwai will be staging a two-week long show at the National Arts Festival (NAF) next month.
The poet, who is not shy to voice her opinions on anything and anyone, is currently based in Grahamstown, where she is studying for a masters degree after being awarded the Andrew Mellon foundation scholarship.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch yesterday, Mazwai said being back in the province after living in Johannesburg for several years, had seen her involved in community work here.
“I host open-mic sessions every month for the youth and also do a talk show at Rhodes Music Radio,” she said, adding that she was also involved in the election debates that take place in Makana Municipality.
Mazwai said being back had been like “a breath of fresh air” for her.
“I’ve calmed down a lot. I love being here,” she said, adding that she was considering staying in the Eastern Cape permanently.
She said Grahamstown would be her town of choice, if she were to be based in the province, after finishing her studies at the end of the year.
“People here are free to be who they want to be. Yes there are racial dynamics that need to be addressed and we need to have more conversations around this issue.”
With regards to the recent Rhodes University protests, Mazwai said she was proud to see young women standing together for a good cause.
“I am proud and excited that they stood up for themselves. I was there as a supporter.”
Mazwai said her calmer spirit would never stop her from addressing sensitive issues.
“I will never stop being who I am but the difference now is that I choose my battles. As a poet I have the right to say whatever I want.” On her upcoming show, she said she would address issues that affected the community.
“I tackle all sorts of issues, from identity, spirituality and racial challenges,” Mazwai said.
“The one-woman poetry play is the story of a young girl coming-of-age.”
Catch Mazwai from June 30 to July 9 at the Glennie Fest Centre. Book tickets at: www.nationalartsfestival. co.za — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
‘Calmer’ poet’s NAF show will still hit home
The poet, who is not shy to voice her opinions on anything and anyone, is currently based in Grahamstown, where she is studying for a masters degree after being awarded the Andrew Mellon foundation scholarship.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch yesterday, Mazwai said being back in the province after living in Johannesburg for several years, had seen her involved in community work here.
“I host open-mic sessions every month for the youth and also do a talk show at Rhodes Music Radio,” she said, adding that she was also involved in the election debates that take place in Makana Municipality.
Mazwai said being back had been like “a breath of fresh air” for her.
“I’ve calmed down a lot. I love being here,” she said, adding that she was considering staying in the Eastern Cape permanently.
She said Grahamstown would be her town of choice, if she were to be based in the province, after finishing her studies at the end of the year.
“People here are free to be who they want to be. Yes there are racial dynamics that need to be addressed and we need to have more conversations around this issue.”
With regards to the recent Rhodes University protests, Mazwai said she was proud to see young women standing together for a good cause.
“I am proud and excited that they stood up for themselves. I was there as a supporter.”
Mazwai said her calmer spirit would never stop her from addressing sensitive issues.
“I will never stop being who I am but the difference now is that I choose my battles. As a poet I have the right to say whatever I want.” On her upcoming show, she said she would address issues that affected the community.
“I tackle all sorts of issues, from identity, spirituality and racial challenges,” Mazwai said.
“The one-woman poetry play is the story of a young girl coming-of-age.”
Catch Mazwai from June 30 to July 9 at the Glennie Fest Centre. Book tickets at: www.nationalartsfestival. co.za — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
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