10th POETRY AFRICA

Johannesburg : 7 October 2006

Durban : 9 – 14 October 2006

Poetry Africa Izimbongi ZaseMzansi Program

As part of the celebratory tenth edition of Poetry Africa, there will be a special focus on indigenous literature and the art of praise-poetry in particular. The Izimbongi ZaseMzansi Programme, which aims to showcase and celebrate the art of praise-poetry across different cultures.

This platform provides a useful opportunity for these remarkable poets to meet, exchange ideas and experiences. The poets, representing a diverse segment of South African cultures, will visit schools, perform, present workshops, and conduct discussions around the roles of praise-poets in contemporary society.

The Izimbongi ZaseMzansi Programme includes Zolani Mkiva, who rose to prominence after praising for Nelson Mandela, and is widely acknowledged as the National Praise Singer, and Royal Poet to the Republic. Joining Mkiva in the exciting programme are Jessica Mbangeni, Joe Ntloana and Mandisa Phandliwe.

Zulu Imbongi Botsotso Mahlaba, a poet of ten years standing, has praised at many important functions and for such dignitaries as Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Sbu Ndebele.

Praise-singer Jessica Mbangeni, from the Eastern Cape , has toured internationally with the Soweto Gospel Choir and performed at prestigious events such as the 46664 concert in Cape Town and South African president Thabo Mbeki's second inauguration.

Sotho-speaking Joe Ntloanaworks at PACOFS (Performing Artists of the Free State ) and is currently involved with Coca-Cola Confessions Poetry and the HIV/AIDS Awareness Project.

Born in Mafikeng, North West Province, multilingual praise-poet Mandisa Phandliwe, has praised for Minister Pallo Jordan and President Thabo Mbeki. She is a member of a traditional jazz band called Mandisa and Uhambo, whose music blends both Tswana and Xhosa poetry and lyrics.

The Izimbongi ZaseMzansi Programme is an important aspect of Poetry Africa's commitment to promoting and stimulating interest in indigenous language poetry.

The 10 th Poetry Africa festival takes place on 7 October at Museum Africa in Newtown , Johannesburg , and from 9 to 13 October at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, Durban , with a Festival Finale at Durban 's BAT Centre on 14 October. The full programme of festival activities, plus participant biographies and photos, is available on www.cca.ukzn.ac.za Phone 031-2602506 for more information.

Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal), Poetry Africa is funded principally by the Department of Arts and Culture, with support from Prince Claus Fund for Culture and Development, Humanist Institute for Development Cooperation (HIVOS), Stichting Doen, Winternachten, Royal Netherlands Embassy, French Institute of South Africa, African Synergy Book Café, Pro-Helvetia Arts Council of Switzerland, Adam's Campus Books, and the City of Durban.

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Last updated on Sept 6 2006

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Original photography by: Val Adamson, Rafs Mayet, Precious Ngcobo, Jeeva Rajgopaul, Monica Rorvik, and Peter Rorvik