THE MESSAGE of the beauty of love, the importance of truly loving each other and using different methods and techniques to show love to each other – this is the most prominent theme in the art event that started happening this year, the Gubhela & Friends Poetry Picnic.
In this gathering held at the Botanical Gardens, Durban, on Saturday, different poets and musicians shared the stage; who have a friendly and cooperative relationship with the organizer of the event – also the poet Nduduzo Mkhize, known as Gubhela.
The program of the event was planned by the comedian Master Nuh, who awakened the audience from the freezing cold, and warmed up the stage with his famous jokes that have earned him blood and fame on social media.
After him, a young singer from Hammarsdale, Zoliswa Mchunu, came in, followed by poet Lunacy Tee – delivering poems with a message of love.
Many were touched in spirit and soul by the performance of the poet, Thando Fuze, who recited poems with a message highlighting the trauma, slavery and burden of women in the society we live in.
The singer Ndabezinhle Mntungwa continued, who also visited the audience’s ears and hit the stage. A poet from Nanda, Shiwe SmartBlack Mampondo, also performed, reciting poems based on how lust and addiction to temporary happiness harms the future of young people.
One of the most noticeable things is that many people who attended this event respected the theme of the day by decorating with sky blue color and many accompanied their partners – which made them appreciate the message of love that was very bright.
A young singer from Mandeni, Ayarkay, also got the audience excited, as he performed his songs that are filled with the message of the beauty of love and romance.
A poet with experience in this role, Ntokozo Starring Zulu, is the one who touched many with his poem Zuluwhich contains the message of killing people’s act of going astray, of forgetting themselves and not focusing on things specific to their identity, who they are and where they come from.
The afro pop and house singer, Nobuhle Khuzwayo, also left many wanting a repeat, especially when the audience heard his new yet-to-be-released song Grandma’s drumeven though he did it with Kabza De Small saying It’s killing me.
The writer and poet, Sindiswa Zulu, has quoted in the text of his books stay with us I look to Youhe also recited one of his poems highlighting the beauty of the role of legends – of what role their telling had on people in the past.
The host of the event, Gubhela, entered towards the end of the event accompanied by the sweet-voiced singer Mandisa Cebekhulu, who supported him with his singing – and then he burst out with his beautiful poems to the fans, including I had a friend.
The event was wrapped up by a popular singer, Zawadi Yamungu, who entertained the audience with his different songs including I am beautiful with us Run – made with piano producer De Mthuda. The program of the event was managed by Samkelo Mhlophe, known as Lembe Lo Tisha.