28th Poetry Africa Festival Returns to Joburg

Brace yourselves, poetry lovers! The University of Johannesburg Arts & Culture is gearing up to host the Johannesburg chapter of the Poetry Africa International Festival. Get ready to dive into a whirlwind of rhythms, rhymes, and raw emotion as this highly anticipated word-weaving festival, brainchild of the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts, makes its third return to the City of Gold. 

In collaboration with UJ Arts & Culture, a division of the Faculty of Art, Design, and Architecture (FADA) at the University of Johannesburg, Poetry Africa promises poetic and artistic brilliance from 3 to 5 October 2024. For three days poets, artists, and cultural enthusiasts from near and far will come together for an unforgettable celebration of creativity and expression. 

“We are once again thrilled to be the Johannesburg home of the Poetry Africa International Festival. For us it is a particularly exciting iteration of the festival as UJ Arts & Culture will present its brand-new spoken word production, ‘(R)evolution of Words,’ written by award winning poet Lebo Mashile, directed by Jade Bowers and curated by Lebo Mashile, Jade Bowers and Quaz Roodt, explores both the South African poetry canon and contemporary voices, featuring poems from the Grade 11 and 12 curricula alongside modern poets who reflect and challenge today’s zeitgeist and will be performed at the festival in Johannesburg and Durban. The festival is a valuable opportunity for our students, those who participate in our poetry programme and others, as well as UJ staff together with our loyal audiences to participate in and enjoy one of the biggest annual spoken word events on the continent,” said Pieter Jacobs, Head of UJ Arts & Culture.

Poetry Africa has a rich history of showcasing the diverse voices of poets and artists from across the globe. The festival’s return to Johannesburg promises to be a highlight on the cultural calendar, offering audiences an opportunity to engage with the power of words and the beauty of artistic expression. 

The Keorapetse Kgositsile Memorial Lecture: 3 OCT 

The Keorapetse Kgositsile Memorial Lecture celebrates the legacy of one of Africa’s most influential poets. This event will delve into Kgositsile’s profound impact on poetry and his contributions to the literary world, with reflections and discussions on his lasting influence. Dr. Uhuru Phalafala will present the lecture, hosted by Siphindile Hlongwa. The stage will also feature responses from Afurakan, Makhosazana Xaba, Frank Meintjies, and Sarah Godsell. 

Buttons For Muashuda 1

Slam Semi-Finals: 4 OCT 

On 4 October 2024, the University of Johannesburg will host the Slam Semi-Finals with the top 10 Poetry Africa slammers as they vie for a spot in the final showdown. This intense semi-final showcases their most compelling performances, with the top contenders moving closer to being crowned Poetry Africa Slam Champion and representing South Africa on the world stage.

Buttons For booking

The (R)evolution of Words: 5 OCT 

(R)evolution of Words is a dynamic poetry show designed to immerse students in the world of poetry. It explores both the South African poetry canon and contemporary voices, featuring poems from the Grade 11 and 12 curricula alongside modern poets who reflect and challenge today’s zeitgeist. ‘(R)evolution of Words,’ is written by award winning poet Lebo Mashile, directed by Jade Bowers and curated by Lebo Mashile, Jade Bowers and Quaz Roodt. This performance is brought to life by UJ Art Academy students: Ally Roux, Nick Moyo, Ntakisi Shilubane, Hillary Nyikayaramba, Khanyisile Sibiya, Leah Mollink, Xolani Mbhele, and Tintswalo  Masondo, with additional accompaniment by theatre and television professional Tina Redman. 

Buttons For booking

Somehow,we Survive: 5 OCT 

On 5 October 2024, the University of Johannesburg will host a poetry performance to wrap up the Johannesburg leg of Poetry Africa 2024. Experience a thrilling international line-up of poets: Claudio Pozzani (Italy), Lefifi Tladi (SA/Sweden), Yamorai (SA), Miksi Brower (Belgium), Vuyokazi Ngemntu, and Linda Sibande (Zimbabwe). Hosted by the dynamic Quaz Roodt. 

Buttons For booking

Tickets are now available at R80 for students and R100 for general admission. 

About Poetry Africa 

Poetry Africa is an annual international poetry festival curated and presented by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of Kwazulu-Natal in Durban each year during October. The festival features Spoken Word & Published Poets in performances and dynamic engagements which includes panel discussions, campus and school visits, poetry exchanges, book launches, open mic sessions and the ever-popular slam jam competition. The 27th edition of the Poetry Africa festival will extend performances to Johannesburg and Bloemfontein. 

The festival provides a vital platform for the celebration and critical reflection about the contribution of poets in the movement for social change both nationally and internationally. At the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the Poetry Africa festival supports academic scholarship in contemporary poetry. The Poetry Africa festival is also a dynamic player in the cultural economy of the broader Ethekwini; and plays a vital role in advancing the city’s status as a UNESCO City of Literature. 

About Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal 

The Centre for the Creative Arts (CCA) is an inter-disciplinary hub in the School of the Arts in the College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The Centre plays host to seven festivals which over many years have built a strong international profile for artistic excellence and for how the arts are engaged to advance social change and to strengthen South Africa’s constitutional democracy. 

About UJ Arts & Culture   

UJ Arts & Culture, a division of the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture (FADA) produces and presents world-class student and professional arts programmes aligned to the UJ vision of an international university of choice, anchored in Africa, dynamically shaping the future. A robust range of arts platforms are offered on all four UJ campuses for students, staff, alumni, and the general public to experience and engage with emerging and established Pan-African and international artists drawn from the full spectrum of the arts.