By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The award-winning poet, Tshepo Constance Letebele said winning the Best Poetry Category in Baruta Ngwao Music and Traditional awards is a boost to her career. Letebele (25), who originates from Magogong village near Taung said this will strengthen her market including her support base.
“I am over the moon because winning is a big step for me. It means I got a huge fan base now and that gives me a push because I see that people love what I do. I will keep writing, reading, and giving people what they love, but above all, I will add more to my writing skills.
“As an artist, one needs to be creative at all times, hence I add orchestration into my poetry. Now, I have to add something new for my fans and spread my wings to achieve more. Yes, I am working on a project called Kgato, which is so exciting because the aim of this project is to address socio-economic challenges facing our society, especially the youth such as teenage pregnancy, HIV, high rate of crime, alcohol and drug abuse,” she said.
Letebele further said, she has brought almost every local artist together on the project to share their ideas. She added that, they have already made inroads as some of the young girls, whom she is working with, have already been booked across.
“So, to my supporters, words are not enough to show how much I appreciate you. Thank you for your unwavering love and continuous support you always show. Ke le rata kesa ikhutse and may Almighty continue to bless you all.
“Even though poetry is the most underrated genre across, I believe that things might take a positive turn soon. 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,” said Letebele.
She said: “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.”
The North West University (NWU) alumni and founder of Taung Yum Creamery said poetry belongs to the realm of emotions and imagination. She said 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 less support one 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.
You can also follow her on social media platforms like Facebook: Tshepo Consty Letebele and Instagram: Tshepoconsty
The Guardian 