Why you should book a seat at the 20th Poetry Africa Festival

This was just one of the utterances said in unison yesterday as veteran poet and activist, Donato 'Don' Mattera was awarded the inaugural Masizi Kunene Poetry Award. 

Hosted by current director of UKZN's Centre for Creative Arts, David wa Maahlamela with a musical prelude performed by Dr. Sazi Dlamini - the 20th Poetry Africa Festival has officially kicked off.

It was opening night and fans of the spoken word were granted a brief look into what the week-long literary event offers.

In its 20th year running, the event was the first local annual festival that popularised poetry amongst the youth, and in spaces around the city and township areas.

Delivering an impassioned address marking the 200th anniversary of the Zulu Kingdom, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi spoke of how poetry celebrates and preserves culture and identity.  

"I understand that the next generation needs more than houses and jobs. They need a sense of identity and belonging. They need to know where they came from. They need to understand their place in the greater whole, so that they will value themselves and others," he says. 

While the wife of late Professor Masizi Kunene best known for Emperor Shaka the Great and Anthem of the Decades, Mathabo led a tribute to the academic and his works which were inspired by the traditions of African literature.

Here's a look at Buthelezi's address - 

See the opening performance below - 

The wife of late Professor Masizi Kunene, Mathabo spoke of her husband's influences.

*The festival runs until Saturday, 15th October.