Eswatini poets celebrate World Poetry Day with a showcase of spoken word excellence
By Siphesihle Dlamini
Poetry is the art of distilling emotions into words, of turning the ordinary into extraordinary, and of breathing life into language. On Friday evening, Eswatini’s finest poets gathered virtually to celebrate World Poetry Day, a day set aside to honor the power of poetry and its ability to connect, inspire, and transform.
The event, held from 17:30 pm to 18:30 pm, was a feast for lovers of the spoken word. A carefully curated lineup of award-winning poets and rising stars graced the virtual stage, each offering a unique voice, perspective, and rhythm. From the first stanza to the final verse, it was an evening of lyrical magic, thought-provoking storytelling, and deep reflections on identity, society, and artistic expression.
Kicking off the event was none other than Cebza the Poet, a performer known for his intricate wordplay and emotive delivery. His opening set was a masterclass in rhythm and resonance, setting the mood for an evening that promised to be both captivating and profound. Cebza reminded listeners of the raw power of poetry, the way it can soothe, provoke, and ignite thought.
Next to take center stage was Christian Maz, a poet whose name is synonymous with excellence in the Eswatini poetry scene. With multiple awards under his belt, Maz has long been a champion of the spoken word movement, and on this special occasion, he did not disappoint.
His performance was nothing short of mesmerizing, his words flowing effortlessly like a river carrying the weight of experience, passion, and wisdom. Maz spoke on the importance of World Poetry Day, not just as a day of celebration, but as a moment of reflection on the role of poetry in shaping narratives, preserving culture, and giving voice to the voiceless. “We must take this art to the world,” he declared, emphasizing the need for local poets to break barriers and take Eswatini’s poetry scene to international platforms. His words were both a call to action and an affirmation of the power poets wield—the power to inspire change, to document history, and to stir emotions in ways that few other art forms can.
No celebration of poetry would be complete without insights from those who have dedicated their lives to the arts. Pastor Thethe, a legendary art expert took a moment to reflect on the significance of World Poetry Day. Following Thethe’s insightful reflections, the audience was treated to a performance by TeeM, a poet whose work delves into themes of self-awareness, identity, and personal growth.
His set was a poetic journey of self-knowledge—an exploration of what it means to truly know oneself in a world that constantly demands conformity. With each line, Teem challenged listeners to look inward, to question their own beliefs, and to embrace the beauty of individuality. His performance was both inspiring and thought-provoking.
Next in line was the celebrated Poet Amandla, another multi-award-winning poet whose voice has been instrumental in elevating poetry within Eswatini’s artistic circles. With a powerful delivery and a commanding stage presence, Amandla spoke passionately about the increasing recognition of poets in the country “I’m happy that poets are finally getting the recognition they deserve,” he stated, his voice filled with conviction.
Indeed, the growth of Eswatini’s poetry scene has been remarkable, with poets gaining more platforms, audiences, and appreciation than ever before. Lizwe took the virtual stage, delivering a performance that was nothing short of breathtaking. His poetry was a tapestry woven with emotions, clever wordplay, and deeply relatable themes.
Lizwe’s set was an emotional rollercoaster, touching on love, loss, hope, and resilience. His ability to paint vivid images with words left a lasting impression on the audience, ensuring that the event ended on a high note.