By Ncaba Ntshakala
Award-winning poet Siphesihle ‘Festival B’ Dlamini, known to his fans as ‘Umgcilati Magama’, left an indelible mark as the headliner at the Poetry in Comfort show held at Millennium Park in Manzini.
The celebrated poet, also an entertainment journalist for Rubicon Media Group, is renowned for his articulate reporting for Eswatini Daily News, Eswatini Financial Times, and Eswatini Sunday.
The event, sponsored by Jonokuhle Upholstery, was hailed as a resounding success by the director and event organizer, Sibonokuhle Simelane.
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“The event exceeded our expectations as people attended in numbers,” Simelane shared. He added that the unique blend of poetry and live music captivated the audience, making the show stand out from conventional poetry showcases.
Simelane revealed that the Poetry in Comfort event was designed to elevate the artistic experience, providing a luxurious outdoor concept for poetry enthusiasts.
“It is a self-explanatory idea; we wanted to create an exclusive experience for poetry lovers and art enthusiasts, building lasting memories rather than hosting just another ordinary event,” he explained.
With the theme “Let’s Meet Over Brunch in Poetry and In Style,” the organizers delivered an experience characterized by comfort and elegance.
Attendees were treated to VIP-style seating, with Jonokuhle Upholstery crafting beautifully designed sofas to enhance the ambiance of the event.
This attention to detail was hailed as it created a space where poetry and art thrived.
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The show was divided into two distinct segments. The first, Talent Search/Talent Appreciation, provided a platform for emerging poets to showcase their skills on a grand stage.
Simelane emphasized the initiative’s potential to revolutionize the poetry industry, saying, “We are giving amazing undiscovered talent a stage to showcase their work to the world.
” The second segment featured an electrifying poetry show headlined by Festival B, supported by an impressive lineup that included MoCats, Fakazi Samuel, Poetess Landa, Isabee, and Blessing Dludlu.
One of the standout elements of the event was the inclusion of a live band that accompanied the poets. “Art in its different forms can complement each other beautifully,” Simelane remarked.
“Imagine a poet reciting alongside a pianist, guitarist, bassist, or saxophonist, all on one stage. It creates an authentic and deeply moving experience.”
Festival B’s performance was a highlight of the evening, captivating the audience with his masterful command of words and emotional depth.
Speaking after the show, the poet expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support. “This show gave me one of the best experiences of my career,” he shared.
