If a picture tells a million words, then a poem shows a million pictures. To Bapedi/Basotho ba Leboa people not only every dance-move should chant a million poetic lines, but poetry remains the heart of traditional dance, be it as a prelude, interlude, or a cappella chant. Kiba artform as dance, song, music, and drama received scholarly attention, but no study has been conducted on its poetic treasures. Musicians such as Phillip Tabane have, however, confessed that they adopted and adapted kiba poetry into songs which become classics.
Kiba poetry of the likes of Johannes Mohlala, a blind wordsmith from Kgobokwane, calls for a revisit to some of the old questions on orality and literature as argued by former scholars and literary critics. The seminar explores some of the aspects of kiba poetry which forms part of the South African wealth. I discuss the mechanics of writing this book, and also read an excerpt from this work-in-progress.
PRESENTER: David wa Maahlamela (JIAS Writing Fellow)
DATE: Wednesday 13 April 2016
TIME: 15:00 – 16:30
VENUE: JIAS, 1 Tolip Street, Westdene
As places are limited, RSVP is essential. As RSVP was closed on the 12th, it maybe useful to find out if there’s space before showing up – email Estelle at [email protected]
presented by JOHANNESBURG INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED STUDY AN INITIATIVE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG AND NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY, SINGAPORE