Hard-hitting poet publishes first book
“This was around the Soccer World Cup. I couldn’t speak a word of English and fell in love with the Vuvuzela. Playing the Vuvuzela was the only thing that helped me speak the same language as everyone else.”
Bedfordview resident and poet Christian Lukusa believes that before the current pandemic there was already a global pandemic.
“We had a human pandemic. The virus was how we treated each other.”
The 23-year-old recently published his first poetry book, the contents of which is aimed at tackling social and mental health issues.
With Mental Health Awareness month celebrated in October the author believes now more than ever people need to be aware of the mental stability of those around them.
A Mental Resurrection promotes mental health and Christian hopes it gives readers a sense of purpose.
“The book is dark and heavy, but very much-needed in highlighting the issues faced by society as a whole.
“My book will make people uncomfortable, but it needs to happen to bring healing. Many people go through life covering up their wounds instead of healing them,” he said.
“That’s what I’ve done. I’m writing about issues that people don’t want to write about so I believe I have a greater purpose while I’m here and that is to change the perspective people have.”
The book was scheduled for publication in November last year, but when Christian received the first copy he was unhappy with the outcome.
“I was discouraged at the time but realised my book had a purpose and I needed to persevere,” he said.
“My book plays an important role in bringing awareness of the issues in society that effect mental health. Now is when I want to share my book the most.”
Christian added with the onset of the global pandemic the publication of his book was further delayed.
“I received a call at the start of September that my book would be ready for collection in Cape Town at the end of September,” he said.
Christian hopes to reach as many schools as possible but said during the current global climate this has been hard.
His poetry pieces are hard-hitting and relevant to what society is going through at the moment.
“In my book I cover everything, from molestation, gender-based violence, and the issues our children face to depression and suicide.
“Tales of a broken boy, for example, focuses on the expectations we put on our children every day. From the school we say they should go to, to the marks they should achieve. You might not know when your child is having a bad day and yet the marks they get on the test that day affect and stay with them for their entire lives.”
Christian came to South Africa from the Congo in 2010 when he was 13.
“This was around the Soccer World Cup. I couldn’t speak a word of English and fell in love with the Vuvuzela. Playing the Vuvuzela was the only thing that helped me speak the same language as everyone else.”
Christian began to learn English and found placements at a school in Jeppestown, Johannesburg.
In Grade 10 his family moved to Bedfordview and Christian was placed in a local school.
After he completed schooling Christian went on to study towards a degree in law.
Christian’s book is available on Amazon and SmashWords or for personal delivery.
For more information, contact Christian on 066 010 1769.
