Zimbo-Botswana poetry clash looms

AWARD-WINNING poet Obert Dube has been invited to perform poetry and share a stage with one the seasoned poets in Kasane, Botswana. The gala will be part of his birthday celebration since he was born in May 15.

AWARD-WINNING poet Obert Dube has been invited to perform poetry and share a stage with one the seasoned poets in Kasane, Botswana. The gala will be part of his birthday celebration since he was born in May 15.

BY SHARON SIBINDI

Mpofu will be leaving for Botswana on Sunday for the gala which slatted on May 18. Victoria Falls-based Dube will have the chance of rubbing shoulders with some of the poets such as Mambo De Poet Ntema in Kasane.

Obert Dube
Obert Dube

Dube confirmed the invite to the Southern Eye Lifestyle yesterday.

“I was invited by one of the organisers, Mambo De Poet Ntema. I will be performing on Monday. I will showcase my usual poetry and trademarks,” Dube said.

“There would be some poets from different places and I have managed to get a chance to go and too represent my country.”

Dube said he would recite poems which include “My sweet heart”, “Reality”, “We are one” and “Xenophobia”.

Dube added that he would dish latest 13-track album which features Jeys Marabini and was sponsored by Robert Tony Boyd from United States who saw him performing in Botswana last year.

The album mixes a variety of languages which include Xhosa, Ndebele, Kalanga, Shona, Tonga, Spanish, French, Chewa, Nambya and Setswana.

“This album is unique as I got an advice from Nkululeko Dube of Iyasa to fuse many languages   for bigger audiences,” he added.

He said he was happy to be invited and would get a chance to learn more during the gala.

“This is one of my happiest days and I can’t wait to show them what I am capable of. I am so happy I will be performing with lots of artistes and I will get a chance to raise the country’s flag high,” he added.

Obert Dube was born in Dandanda, Mthenjwa village in Lupane. He started poetry at Siyagomoza Secondary school. “Poetry is my calling , ” he said.