FEMALE poets from Bulawayo have insisted that they are not at any advantage when it comes to securing gigs, despite popular belief they were getting favours.
There has been growing sentiment lately that most governments and NGOs seem to prioritise women when it comes to availing opportunities to the poets.
Earlier this month, the Bulawayo Arts Awards announced the nominees for this year’s edition and the category of Outstanding Poet is dominated by females, with the only male being Thaluso.
Southern Eye Showbizz caught up with some of the city’s wordsmiths to get a sense of their sentiments.
“Personally I have never seen those alleged opportunities that are reserved for women,” said BAA nominee Sonkomose.
“I just think Bulawayo Arts Festival and Intwasa happen to be the biggest stages for poetry and maybe comedy.
“I think the scale is balanced in terms of opportunities.”
“Some people are just daring and stand up and create opportunities for themselves
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“I will give you an example of uMam Sithandazile Dube uAmfikazi. Around late last year she single-handedly staged a show to full capacity.”
“Sometimes people are reluctant to apply for open calls for one reason or there other, it could be content or context related.”
Poet Lady Tshawe echoed similar sentiments.
“I think as my colleagues have said, it is also about talent,” she said.
“There has always been curating of events and funding opportunities that have biased focus to females, and this is how there was a time where women were not being given a fair opportunity to showcase their talent.
“It shouldn’t be fair to say women are getting opportunities just because they are women but it’s because of their work.
“We are living in a world that makes it a little bit harder for us to showcase our creativity without being labeled a female poet or singer.”
Thaluso Da Poet said “I feel most men have left the industry.”
“...look even at the BAA nominations for the poetry category this year, I am the only male,” he said.
