One of the highlights of this year's festival was the Slam Jam competition, which saw talented spoken word artist, writer, thespian, and poet Lethu Nkwanyana crowned as the champion. Nkwanyana's poetic journey began in 2012 at his local church, and since then, he has honed his craft, delivering his performances in a flamboyant yet subtle manner.
Throughout the competition, Nkwanyana captivated audiences with his powerful verses, and for his final performance, he used free verse poetry to express his emotions, raise awareness about societal issues, and provide healing through his words. When his name was announced as the winner, he stood frozen on the stage, whispering a brief prayer. The achievement of becoming the best poet in the country holds immense significance for him.
During his performances, Nkwanyana addressed prevalent social challenges, including gender-based violence. He believes that poetry, with its ability to evoke emotions and provoke reflection, is one of the most effective means to confront and discuss critical issues.
When asked about competing against some of the best poets in South Africa, Nkwanyana acknowledged that it was no simple task. The competition was fierce, but his talent, dedication, and ability to connect with the audience set him apart.
The Poetry Africa Festival provided a platform for artists like Nkwanyana to showcase their talent and use their words to inspire, provoke thought, and bring about social change. It celebrated the power of poetry to transcend boundaries and create meaningful connections.
As the festival concluded, it left a lasting impact on both the performers and the audience, reminding us of the transformative power of poetry and its ability to shape conversations and bring about positive change in society.
