In a world that often feels overwhelming and isolating, Poetry Africa offers a beacon of light through its festival that emphasises the transformative role that creative expression can play in fostering emotional and spiritual recovery.
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (04 October 2024) – Words are so powerful. They have the ability to inspire and build a person up and quite drastically do the opposite, too.
Choosing to focus on the beauty and healing power of words, this Mental Health Awareness Month is the Poetry Africa Festival under the theme: Somehow We Survive.
Offering much-needed support in a world grappling with mental health challenges, this year’s festival highlights the connection between the healing powers of poetry and mental well-being.
The empowering event will run from 3 to 12 October 2024 in both Durban and Johannesburg, with online access for a global audience.
Now in its 28th edition, Poetry Africa, presented by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, brings together a diverse lineup of local and international poets whose work resonates with themes of survival, mental health, and spiritual healing.
The festival acknowledges the challenges of mental health issues across societies and the role that creative expression can play in fostering emotional and spiritual recovery.
“Art, and poetry in particular, has always served as a mirror to our innermost emotions, offering solace and understanding in ways that few other mediums can.
“At a time when the world is grappling with a mental health crisis, this festival wants to offer a much-needed space for reflection, healing, and collective hope,” said festival curator Siphindile Hlongwa.
In recognition of World Mental Health Day on 10 October, Poetry Africa includes a special online session titled “Healers Pot” on 9 October, focusing on poetry’s therapeutic and spiritual significance.
Hosted by renowned poet Vangile Gantsho, known for her work on poetry as a medium of healing, gantsho has spent years exploring the intersection between creativity and mental well-being.
The panel will feature celebrated poets Busisiwe Mahlangu, Siza Nkosi, Luleka Mhlanzi, Pralini Naidoo, and Malika Ndlovu, all of whom have woven their mental health journeys into their poetic expressions.
Poetry Africa’s programme, including performances, panel discussions, and workshops, provides poets and audiences alike the opportunity to connect deeply with these themes, encouraging dialogues around mental health, resilience, and healing.
From poetic tributes to South African legends like Keorapetse Kgositsile and Dennis Brutus to dynamic spoken word performances by artists from across the globe, Poetry Africa continues its mission to be a catalyst for social change through artistic expression.
With poets hailing from Uganda, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, the USA, and beyond, the festival unites voices from around the world, reflecting the universal need for healing and connection.
Poetry Africa will also feature the annual Slam Poetry Competition, where young voices take the stage to share their stories of survival, identity, and empowerment.
The competition has become a highlight of the festival, offering participants the opportunity to compete for the title of South Africa’s Slam Champion and represent the country on the world stage.
This high-energy event is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to engage and inspire, especially among the youth, who often use it to grapple with and articulate their mental health journey.
Audiences can attend Poetry Africa 2024 both in person and online.
For the full programme and ticket details, visit the Poetry Africa website at http://poetryafrica.ukzn.ac.za or follow the festival on social media.
Sources: Poetry Africa
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