Undoubtedly, Bulawayo is
the Capital of Arts in Zimbabwe and amicable individuals such as
Tswarelo Mothobe makes it easier for one to see right through that. I
met Tswarelo back in 2009 when he was still hosting The Lounge an
open mic initiative which saw to the growth of many, now, renowned
artists. A few years later, the Father of two, lover of Coffee,
serial Arts Practitioner and brains behind POT (Poetry
on Thursday), is now one of the main forces
to reckon with in Zimbabwe. He writes & directs for Award Winning
Comedian – Clive Chigibhu and the fresh Comic - Marshal Elando, amongst many others some of whom might not have made it.
Because he is a busy man, I had to catch up on the train before it
passed by, Here is what he had to say.
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Gilmore
Tee: What
is Poetry on Thursday – POT?
Tswarelo
Mothobe: Poetry
on Thursday
is held every Thursday at the Indaba Book Cafe in Bulawayo since the
first week of December 2014. It is a space for poets, poetry
enthusiasts and lovers of words. POT
is also weed which I don’t smoke by the way.
Gilmore
Tee: Why
the need to create such a platform?
Tswarelo
Mothobe: It’s
not as much of a need as it is a second nature, I have been hosting
poetry events since 2006 and this particular one is not defined by
the stencils that make up events. It is defined by the audiences who
love poetry and is not an issue if we have six audience members, as
long as they love and appreciate what poetry is and don’t expect
more than that.
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Gilmore
Tee: Great,
who is Tswarelo and where is he coming from?
Tswarelo
Mothobe: Tswarelo
is a father now and a writer first. I believe literature is the
beginning, even Christians believe in the beginning was the word.
Everything else is just a necessity of the empty gaps that exist in
the arts in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, for example, event organizing. I was
a young poet who wanted to perform and there wasn't a platform. So
I had to create one so I could get to perform.
Gilmore
Tee: Have
far apart have your dreams shifted from when you were younger?
Tswarelo
Mothobe: When
I was 9 years old, I wanted to be a farmer. I thought life revolved
around food to eat and if I planted it myself I wouldn't have to
buy expensive sh*t food. I guess my dreams have change. Although I
was already writing, I just didn't think that could be a dream and
let alone a vocation.
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Gilmore
Tee:
Dope
stuff, what are your highlights thus far in the Poetic journey?
Tswarelo
Mothobe: In
2009 & 2010, I worked on Poetic Brush with Visual Artist, Fisani
Nkomo. The initiative involved great performance & visual
artists, and many of my favourite. I met Ian Kamau, Akala, Mandisa
Mabuthoe, Mmakgari Dabutha and Don Mattera. I performed alongside
poet laureates, and this was just the beginning. I have performed at
the Harare International Festival of the Arts, Shoko Festival in
Zimbabwe, House of Hunger Poetry Slam and Africa & Art Spoken in
South Africa. And of course, the simplicity of Bulawayo as a City is
poetry in itself.
Gilmore
Tee: Spoken
word is known for stirring emotions. Have you ever gotten into
trouble through your expressions?
Tswarelo
Mothobe: Fortunately
I haven’t gotten into any trouble linked to spoken word. I don’t
think I can get into trouble because I don’t seek to stir up
trouble. It would be unfortunate if I did get into trouble especially
for my honesty. You see, old men like me have no business provoking
anyone. My core business is honesty and if that spells trouble then
that is very unfortunate.
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Gilmore
Tee: What
is your advice to young Poets?
Tswarelo
Mothobe: Read,
Read, Read…Write, Write, Write... But, if you are not writing your
honesty then you have no business in this, no pun intended.
Gilmore
Tee: Why
should I attend pot?
Tswarelo
Mothobe: Because
it’s for you own good.
Gilmore
Tee: What
other business are you involved in?
Tswarelo
Mothobe: I
am involved in film making , music production, fatherhood, coffee
drinking, theatre direction, photography, graphic design, journalism,
blogging and a whole lot of reading and watching cartoons LINK:
http://www.msindoo.info/
Gilmore
Tee: What
are you current Top 5 must listen to?
Tswarelo
Mothobe:
1.
Mandisa Mabothoe
2.
Ian Kamau
3.
Fela Kuti
4.
Nobuntu
5.
Tanga Pasi
“My work seeks to show
the African in a different light. In a manner the world has neglected
to see us in a positive, life affirming light. It challenges the
African & listener to strive to be a better person to oneself and
to another” – A Scribe Called Tswa
Need I say more, for more
information on Tswarelo Mothobe, CLICK
(https://www.facebook.com/tswarelo.mothobe).
Make sure you let me know your thoughts on Twitter @GilmoreTee
| Hashtag #OTNGtee
which simply means, On to The Next with
Gilmore Tee or Visit me on my Facebook Page:
Gilmore Tee. Let’s
get chatting.
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