Poetry at the grassroots level in the Free State has now assumed an international recognition and significance. Over the years Black writers from the Province have contributed prodigiously to poetry, and published many books celebrating poetry. This piece attempts to trace the genesis of this phenomenon.
The late Gilbert Modise was already making a name for himself as a polished poet and versifier by the time he departed this world prematurely (2001). His debut book, Our Land (a play) had undertones of poetry; and this culminated in what many regard as his magnum opus, An Eyesore, a powerful work packed with haunting poetry.
Also already celebrated – like Gilbert Modise – at the beginning of the New Millennium was Flaxman Qoopane who had spent many years living abroad in exile; he already had his poems published around the world in newspapers, magazines and journals. Back in the Free State, he graced many occasions with élan, reciting his poetry with gusto. He published books of poems like A poet abroad, and Mangaung Poet.
Lebohang Thaisi staked his claim as a young versifier of note in 2000 when he published A Voice from Mangaung, a collection of his poetry. Reviewers and critics were fascinated with the simplicity and earnestness of the poems. Now many years later, Thaisi is a respected literary commentator and pundit.
It was the turn of Teboho Mohanoe to publish his work, Enter the night (2001) which contained a miscellany of his distinctive poetry. His talent was undeniable, and a lot more was expected from him. Mohanoe recently announced that some ten years after his first book, he is set to publish a sequel.
By 2001, many were taking note as regards the literary, especially poetical trends in the Province. This was the year the highly talented Mangaung poet, Job Mzamo launched his book, Pride of My heart. The book, a labour of love for the author’s loved ones, contained many dazzling poems with excellent rhymes. The work cemented the reputation of Mzamo as one of the country’s skilful Black poets.
The formal book launch of Mazamo’s book was also notable for the fact that members of the assorted media were present, including etv (Television) the burgeoning TV station which filmed the occasion for posterity. Also present were distinguished personnel from the Library Services who basked in the literary ambience of the occasion
By this time, the Library Services were buying the books produced by the poets from the grassroots of the Free State, with assiduity.
Within a few years, thousands of such books were bought as more and more authors and their works were churned out. It is no surprise that literary pundits now refer to the period as “the golden era of Free State Black writing”
In 2003 Saint George Vis (now an academic) emerged as another promising bard, writing prolifically and pungently. His work of poetry, first things first was published in the same year (2003) and contained interesting, rhythmical poetry. The book soon also found itself in the diverse libraries. Also, tertiary institutions including the “local” University of the Free State began purchasing these pertinent books.
Tanki Phafoli published his book of poems titled: Take a look inside in 2004. His emergence garnered a lot of attention because he was only 19 when he published his debut work. He was still little more than a school student at the time, and some immaturity and naivety showed in his work. Nevertheless his book also did moderately well.
By this time (around 2004) other poets who were bestriding the scene and making their mark included Thabo Mafike and Pule Lechesa. Mafike, from Bultfontein by this time had already published at least three books including his celebrated Tjhe bo Bophelo. His book of poems Love, also entered the market and was a moderate success. Mafike went on to become a small publisher and churned out other books.
Pule Lechesa made his mark within a short period of time not only as a poet, but as a prolific publisher of the works of other writers from the Free State. His publishing efforts garnered him laurels and awards as he published the likes of George Rampai, Tiisetso Makhele, Leseli Mokhele, Pulane Moilao and Leboela Motopi. (most of them poets) Lechesa’s publishing firm – now defunct – was called Phoenix Press.
Tiisetso Makhele who was to further cement his reputation by becoming a columnist in a popular publication, had his work of poetry, Under the palm tree published in 2006. Reviewers went into raptures over the quality of the poems in the book – almost forgetting that Makhele had been writing poems from his teen-age years, even winning a CNN award when he was only 18 years old!
Pulane Moilao had a formidable pedigree by the time she published her first work of poems in 2006 (She was only 21 years old at the time). Pulane is the granddaughter of the highly revered and prolific Sesotho writer, Dr JJ Moiloa. Pulane’s father is also a writer of books! Hence her book, Threesome was warmly welcomed by the literary fraternity.
To the delight of literary pundits, Pulane’s work came across as qualitative and intelligent in its own right. Her book, Threesome was well received. Her variety of topics, breadth and vision impressed the literati who continue to praise her to high heavens. Pulane also recently announced that she will soon be publishing her second book of poetry.
Back to Pule Lechesa who is also a poet in his own right. He fell in love with the world of writing from a very young age, and loved poetry in particular. His first published book, The legacy we leave behind (2004) was a run-away success, reviewed around the world successfully. As a literary critic and activist, he ensured even more national and international focus on Free State Black writing.
Sipho Mnyakeni, a powerful motivator and pastor, also made his mark with his brilliant poetry. Indeed his book, The winning Combination (2005) contains a panorama of highly polished poems. Sipho is also famed for reciting his poetry with illustrious national and international bards.
“Skietreker” (Richard Segopolo) also entered the public consciousness as a poet, preferring to write his first collection of poetry in Afrikaans. The book, titled Apartheid ek gaan jou boks stoked some controversy, but the poet stuck to his guns reiterating that he could write his book in any language he wanted.
The media were also enamoured with Kgang Abel Motheane when he burst onto the literary scene in 2005. This was mainly because he was already 64 years old by the time he got published. He published his book of poems, titled Nowadays poetry in 2005. He has since added many other poetic works in the Sesotho language.
Meanwhile Raselebeli “magic” Khotsemg had already become a household name in the Province thanks to his powerful public performances of his poetry at various events. In 2010 he published his first book, Hold Back your Tears.
Young ladies like Charmaine Kolwane, Neo Mvubu, Rita Chirhawa and Nthabiseng “Jah Rose” Jafta have also emerged in recent times, staking their claims as powerful black poets from the Free State. They have all published intermittently in publications and journals; yet Jafta’s book, titled Rooted from the Heart was a shining success.
Jafta “Jah Rose” over the years had already displayed her great love for poetry, reading the same at sundry occasions, and even travelling overseas to showcase her poetry. In 2010 she published her first book, Rooted from the Heart. The quality book has been well reviewed and somewhat celebrated.
Perhaps the most celebrated of all these poets is Hector S Kunene who emerged in early 2010. A flamboyant, polished highly talented poet, his first book came out in 2010 (Through the Tunnel) and became a run-away success, reviewed even in the prestigious Guardian UK (United Kingdom)
The well known literary critic, Raphael Mokoena, who has published many sparkling articles on Free State poetry and writing worldwide said: “It’s absolutely stupendous the manner Free State Black Writing has grown by leaps and bounds over the years. It is uncanny. Whenever I travel the world, pundits often ask me how this metamorphosis took place,”
Deon Simphiwe, the Cape Town based critic and writer added: “I love the input of Free State writers and their work. The studies done on their work are so tantalising to sift through. It is no surprise that even international literary protagonists are interested in Black Writing in the Free State. I recall that recently the celebrated Achal Prabhala (an Indian scholar) visited the Free State to see the local writing for himself,”
A spokesperson for the Free State Library Services says: “We have been happy to support writing from the grassroots of the Free State over the years. We are happy thousands of books written and published by such writers are in our stock, available in libraries all over the Province. The writers must continue the great job, and trends,”.
* By Omoseye Bolaji, originally published in Public Eye. Reproduced by kind permission of the publishers
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