Israel Nkate
Israel Nkate
It is 28 years since the founder president of the PAC Robert Sobukwe, right, died on February 28 1978.
A poetry session was held at Notes, Tunes and All That Jazz in Dlamini 1, in Soweto, recently to honour Sobukwe. The theme was Celebrate the life of Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe with poetry.
Organiser Lehlohonolo Shale said: "February is a black month in history and we decided to honour Sobukwe. Malcolm X also passed away in February. We have had poetry sessions since last September at Sister, which is now known as Notes, Tunes and All That Jazz.
Shale said his biggest problem is funding. He uses his own money to fund the project.
"There is potential, but the problem is money. At least Notes, Tunes and All That Jazz sponsors the venue and airtime."
The sessions are held on the first Sunday of every month.
Shale said: "You can't celebrate Africa without Sobukwe."
He said when he first started the project, the support was lukewarm.
"But things have improved.
"I am impressed by the involvement of the community, particularly young people," Shale said.
"Our sessions all have themes, but poets can recite any poem. The sessions have picked up momentum. Celebrated artists such as Kgafela oa Magogodi and Siphiwe ka Ngwenya have graced the poetry sessions. Our ultimate goal is to hold sessions every week and to rotate them throughout the whole of Soweto."
Shale said these sessions give a platform to people who would not get a chance to recite their poetry in many venues in Johannesburg.
Poetry to honour Sobukwe
Israel Nkate
Israel Nkate
It is 28 years since the founder president of the PAC Robert Sobukwe, right, died on February 28 1978.
A poetry session was held at Notes, Tunes and All That Jazz in Dlamini 1, in Soweto, recently to honour Sobukwe. The theme was Celebrate the life of Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe with poetry.
Organiser Lehlohonolo Shale said: "February is a black month in history and we decided to honour Sobukwe. Malcolm X also passed away in February. We have had poetry sessions since last September at Sister, which is now known as Notes, Tunes and All That Jazz.
Shale said his biggest problem is funding. He uses his own money to fund the project.
"There is potential, but the problem is money. At least Notes, Tunes and All That Jazz sponsors the venue and airtime."
The sessions are held on the first Sunday of every month.
Shale said: "You can't celebrate Africa without Sobukwe."
He said when he first started the project, the support was lukewarm.
"But things have improved.
"I am impressed by the involvement of the community, particularly young people," Shale said.
"Our sessions all have themes, but poets can recite any poem. The sessions have picked up momentum. Celebrated artists such as Kgafela oa Magogodi and Siphiwe ka Ngwenya have graced the poetry sessions. Our ultimate goal is to hold sessions every week and to rotate them throughout the whole of Soweto."
Shale said these sessions give a platform to people who would not get a chance to recite their poetry in many venues in Johannesburg.