The organisers of Frankly Speaking, a frequent poetry session, strongly believe that poetry can be revived in the country and create a platform where creatives can express themselves.

Radio and television producer Franklin Shitaleni, also known as Black North Side Rabbi and poet Frieda Etuhole Mukufa, stage name Damn Etu started the poetry session to create a platform where lovers of poetry can engage with each other, and have a space to still perform.

“For those who are shy, they can merely enjoy the experience of being ‘serenaded’ by the best poets in the country,” Mukufa said.

The linguist said this poetry show was inspired by the lack of creativity we experienced during the Covid lockdown.

“I started performing poetry, I was doing it at Open Mic Namibia but since Covid, many of those platforms have since been removed from the public scene. As such, we are trying to get it back and have as many platforms that showcase poetry as possible.”

She added: “I think for people who are creatives and require interactions or rather performers, it was difficult to just sit at home. So, since we are both lovers of poetry, we decided why not start an avenue for poetry,” said the energetic poet.

She told VIBEZ! that the reception has been quite amazing and due to its popularity, the team was able to rope in more poets. “We aimed to get a collective number of poets in the country, and we have managed to get associate poets under the brand.”

Shitaleni indicated that as much as they are poetry lovers, they also teach high school poetry and some of their students will grace the stage as they celebrate their fourth anniversary on the 26 October at Muso’s Cafe in Windhoek.

“Teaching poetry has been fulfilling because it exceeded our expectations when it comes to integrating poetry into the school curriculum,” noted Shitaleni.

Now in its fourth year, Frankly Speaking promises to be bigger and better, fulfilling its mandate of reviving the poetry industry in the country. 

“Currently, we are seeing the resurgence of poetry because of the work that we put in,” said the creative who is also a gospel artist.

-psiririka@nepc.com.na