A poet full of love
JOBURG – Local poet brings a fresh sound of poetry mixed with traditional house.
Poet sensation Khulekani ‘Coole’ Hlatshwayo is using words to inspire and change people’s mindsets.
Born in Bergville in the Drakensberg, Hlatshwayo has always been inspired by the local legends of Durban for his poetry and music. “Poetry has a way of touching the soul. It makes one understand the story you’re telling. Through poetry, you are able to take a person to places they have never seen before.”
The poet has just signed with Fresh Money Family (FMF) records and said, “I was pleased to be signed into FMF because this means my work will be known by many. My music and poetry always carry a message.”
The Johannesburg-based artist has a fresh sound which combines house music with poetry.
Hlatshwayo’s journey has been a long one, from performing at open mic sessions to being the Newcastle Poetry Competition winner. “We have to start somewhere and work ourselves up. I have been on the Umfolozi Road Show to build my career and now I have released a single called Uthando.”
Uthando is a up-tempo song that is inspired by women. “The song was conceptualised in Women’s Month and I wanted to dedicate it to women. It narrates a story of love well marinated with powerful Zulu rhymes. The song is sensual and has romantic undertones. I am a lover and I wrote this song to remind men that women love being admired and cherished.”
He said that, as a poet, he always aims to please others with words.
Read: Poetry enriches children
