Local poet uses words to bring healing and share stories
Manzi Divine's passion for poetry came from listening to poetry CD's and scribbling short stories in her journals.
From having a pile of short stories in her journals, to performing on national stages, Linda Simelane (40) known by her stage name, Manzi Divine, put her stories into a poetic summary and hit the stage.
According to her, “Poetry is a teller of many untold stories and a map of a journey”.
Speaking to Rekord, Manzi Divine shared how she uses words to tell stories and bring healing to those who need it.
Inspired by poets such as Maya Angelou, Mzwakhe Mbuli and Lebogang Mashile, she said her poetry aims to bring love and light in people’s hearts.
“Being able to open gates, doors, and windows that were closed in people’s hearts and make them see reality in a different structure, that on its own is fulfilling and magical to me,” she said.
She shared that her work is often about everything around her but mainly around women, love and sensuality.
“Being a poet is a gift for me, so most of the time I let the divine within me give me ideas and most of the time, I just find myself telling stories about the significance of women, their struggles, and love ,” she said.
One of her poems titled The God I know is a black woman speaks about the power and beauty of a woman’s being, and the impact they leave everywhere they go.
“Expressions in words on its own is a form of healing and this is the key element that I ensure can be found in my poems,” she said.
Manzi Divine said poetry is also a form of expressing herself and sharing her thoughts.
She shared that she has a shy personality, yet somehow takes pleasure in being on stage and telling stories through poetry.
“Letting people hear my thoughts is joy to me, and sharing my poetic summarised stories… that’s my bliss right there,” she said.
She said her authentic voice grew from poetry sessions to small stages and then performing on bigger stages.
She said her artistic spirit has seen her performing for a larger audience in well-respected venues such as the South African State Theatre and The Market Theatre.
“Performing on big stages feels like magic because everyone gets to hear that message or story you compiled that one day or few months in your quiet room,” she said.
She advised aspiring poets to always find the message in each poem and keep writing.
“Knowing the key aim of the poem always helps to continue pouring out your mind and heart,” she advised.
She added that young poets should not give up on their gifts. “As long as there is one person who needs to hear that poem, keep writing.”
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