Illovu township poet breaks glass ceiling
An Illovo poet overcomes the odds stacked against underprivileged youth through confidently sharing his poetry and improving day by day.
FROM a shy kid with not a bit of stage experience, to presenting his poetry on stage, acting and even sharing his literary prowess on a local radio station, Illovu township’s Chris Fallen shares his inspiring story.
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It all started in Grade Eight. Chris put pen to paper whenever anything came to mind.
“A friend of mine sat next to me and always saw me writing and would ask about it. At the time, we were not exposed to poetry outside of learning about famous poems in class. No one was actually writing. One day, the teacher was out of the class and my friend stood up and quietened down the class, saying, “Chris wants to share a poem with us.” I had never been in front of any audience, but what gave me the confidence to go in front was that I know what I write in my mind and my heart. I didn’t expect any reaction but the whole class stood up clapping for me,” said Chris.
His teacher returned while the class were applauding the poet and asked to hear it. What followed would pave the way for the rest of his life, as Chris not only impressed his teacher, but also his principal, who encouraged him to share his literature with his school at assembly.
“I was famous in the whole school. They called me by the poem’s title, Nolwazi, which means “knowledge” in English. It mixed English and isiZulu. It explored what it means to gain knowledge, what is done with it once gained, and how if not applied, it is useless,” said Chris.
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In his matric year, he was named poet of the year, and since then, he has become a regular contributor on Gagasi FM, where every Sunday during the early risers segment at 05:40, he shares his poetry. In addition, he has performed for Poetry Africa, at the Playhouse Theatre, and has dabbled in acting in plays, where he passionately imbues his acting with dramatic poetry.
Sometimes he shares the stage with his seven-year-old son who, while Chris rehearses, watches intently before copying his father. Chris said that he takes pride in teaching his son, but hopes that he stays true to himself and follows his own path as he grows.
“I believe we as humans have the ability to speak things into existence. It takes faith, but we can truly be unstoppable, achieving anything we want to achieve. Words have the power to build and break, I use my words to encourage, motivate and give hope,” said Chris.
He advised young readers who aspire towards becoming successful: “Make sure you love what you do. Give it all you can and don’t wait for an opportunity, create it. No businessman or sponsor or talent scout is going to predict you have talent. I did not wait for Gagasi FM to recognise me, I paved my way so they will be able to see my talent. Believe in yourself and do whatever it takes to make it and the universe will respond in kind.”
He shared one of his poems below in commemoration of Youth Month.
The power of the past, The fire of the future
From 1976 to 2025It feels like yesterday.The journey wasn’t easyYoung soldiers rest in peaceNow we live in peace.With this poem I mean no harmBut I celebrate the youth of today,And respect the youth of 1976The power of the past,Forever in our past.We will never forgetForever in our heartFrom the dusty streets of SowetoFast forward 2025.Let’s striveFor our future, let’s fightEducation is the keyNo doubtWe are the youth, with dreams that soar so high,The sky is the limit on our side.But I won’t shy away from the truth,It shall set me free.Let me askHow many graduates graduate every yearBut sitting at home with their qualifications.How many job opportunities they promise in a year but still we have unemployed youth.We are a qualified youth, with great qualifications but we don’t qualify.We are more than educated but still we must pay to get jobs in our country.This is for youYouth of todayLet’s riseRise with hope to break the chains of the pain.Rise above the shadows of the pastForever we are meant to lastWe’re bright and boldA story waiting to be toldWhen we get oldWe are the youthWe are the futureThe fire of the futureA story waiting to be toldWe speak things into existenceSpeak your power and become itOur power is within us.Amandla awethu.-Chris Fallen.
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