By OBAKENG MAJE

Even though poetry is the most underrated genre across, the award-nominee, Tshepo Constance Letebele, believes that things might take a positive turn soon. An enigmatic poet (25) from Magogong village near Taung said she is ready to claim her niche in the industry and own her crown.

“I discovered my talent and passion during high school. I used to master essays, unprepared speeches, and oral presentations, then wrote my first ever poem, which I presented to one of my former teachers during a farewell ceremony.

“Since then, I became unstoppable and gave birth to numerous poems. Mostly, my poems are based on current situations because it is where I find content. We are faced with various challenges such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and I am also trying to bring awareness,” Letebele said.

The North West University (NWU) alumni and founder of Taung Yum Creamery further said, she is currently working on a project and named it Kgato. Letebele said she is featuring various artists from different genres.

“I have discovered so much talent in my village and I have already started with a dance group of young girls. The aim of this project is to eliminate socio-economic challenges facing our society, especially the youth such as teenage pregnancy, HIV, high rate of crime, alcohol and drugs abuse.

“I believe that taking the youth out of the street by keeping them busy with some activities they are passionate about, will have a positive impact. I am so grateful that I have received amazing support from my family and friends through my journey,” she said.

Letebele further said poetry belongs to the realm of emotions and imagination. She added that art plays a primordial role in shaping the individual and transmits human values.

“People assume that to become a poet, you will only need a book and a pen. However, they have not realised that the world evolves and things change. Remember, the ancient ways one uses to write poems, the lesser support you will get.

“Unlike music, poetry is not taken into consideration, but I believe that things will take a positive turn soon. Atleast, we now have a poetry category in some awards. I would like to work with poets like Lebogang Mashile and Botlhale Boikanyo in the future,” said Letebele.

As a proud member of Botaki le Bodiragatsi Taung Association (BBTA), Letebele has been nominated for the Best Poetry Category in Baruta Ngwao Music and Traditional awards that will be taking place in October 2022 in Taung. She also thanked those who continue to vote for her.

“We are celebrating Women’s month and to all women out there, please know that God trusted you so much that he could not choose anyone else, but you. So, own that title with pride because you are fearfully and wonderfully made.

“As we are counting down towards the finale of Baruta Ngwao Music and Traditional awards, I’d truly appreciate your support. So, to my supporters, please let’s continue to vote by simply SMS BN19 to 35959 and you can vote as many times as you can,” she said.

You can also follow her on social media platforms like Facebook: Tshepo Consty Letebele

Instagram: Tshepoconsty

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