'My role is to use language to give life and vision' - Lebo Mashile, poet

In the profile interview, South African writer and performance poet Lebo Mashile chats about the impact of poetry in contemporary society, and speaks about her role in this new-age of awakening.

In the profile interview, South African writer and performance poet Lebo Mashile chats about the impact of poetry in contemporary society, and speaks about her role in this new-age of awakening.

Mashile says that she's been performing for 19 years but admits that it doesn't get easier.

It's not nice living out a suitcase and dealing with round-the-clock pressure she adds.

Mashile says that South Africa has a historical relationship with poetry.

We're changing and becoming sensitive to how wrong certain experiences are (these acts of violence). There's an awakening that's happening.

Lebo Mashile, South African writer and performance poet

Mashile says that moving through different worlds has been difficult.

She adds that the blessing comes from the ability to adapt and exist in these spaces.

The way poetry is taught, and the way it exists in an African context is two completely different things says Mashile

She adds that there's a cultural, spiritual, social and political influence that exists in poetry.

Click on the link below to hear the full interview...

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