Pay the poet poetry sessions every month
'If all other occupations are able to get basic salaries why can't we poets? '
“WE are not poets – we are poetry to society.”
That is the slogan used by poetry group Tell’Apathy, founded by two like-minded 21-year-old poets, Bongiwe Khumalo (Bee_Kay) and Dieketseng Nthedi (Dee-Kay). The two will be running poetry sessions under the theme #PayThePoet.
“If all other occupations are able to get basic salaries, why can’t we poets? This is the question on every poet’s mind and we are here to solve it. We want to empower young minds and encourage them to come forward and let their voices and cries be heard,” explained Nthedi.
Nthedi said the sessions would cater for two categories: teenagers (12 to 18 years) and adults (starting at 19 years).
“We are not only about poetry – we cater for the arts as a whole. We are also involved in motivational talks. We visit homes and care for the elders,” she said.
Dee-Kay and Bee_Kay met through a mutual friend and found they had one thing in common: poetry. “Together we were set to write poems and stories. The idea for the poetry group came after I was called to perform but didn’t get paid. I was told poets just spit out words and it’s not an occupation. After that I went on a mission to prove otherwise.”
Nthedi said she wanted to show the world that poetry existed and that there was an industry for it.
“The aim of the group is to empower young minds and give them the platform to express themselves. To see poets at shows, gigs, events and sessions. We too deserve to be on line-ups and to be acknowledged and given what is due to us.”
The spoken-word artists will host a poetry session on the last Sunday of every month, starting on February 28.
“On that day our audience should expect performances from poets and rappers and poetry and rap battles. Every month we will focus on a different theme such as Human Rights Day in March and Easter in April.
“This is also a first for Kempton Park. As much as we want to entertain,we are also getting our fellow brothers and sisters off the streets.”
Nthedi pointed out that because they were still students, they did not have the funds to pay for the event logistics and would appreciate funding, sponsorship, mentorship and support for their initiative.
“Any donations are welcome at our events.”
The event will take place Innocent Pub & Grill on Wolff Street in the CBD.
You can get hold of Tell’Apathy via Facebook: Tell’Apathy, or you can call them for more information: Dee-Kay 072 428 7610 and Bee_Kay 084 346 0933.
