Jonathan Lefenya | July 21st, 2020 | poet profile | No Comments
Jonathan Lefenya is a Soweto based spoken word artist. His work flings open the narrow window of language through which we are accustomed to describing reality. In so doing, the poet compels both himself and the audience to reflect on the plight of the human condition. Growing up he had neither a sense of the world nor his place in it, so the poet uses writing as a metaphor for control. As a performance poet, his work presents remarkable pliability and nuance. On the slam poetry stage, Jonathan’s art is known for its pathos and piercing nature, which appeals to the delicate senses of the audience. In the past two years, the poet has shared the stage with the likes of Mpho Khosi, Mpho Mofokeng, Puleng Zealots and Belita Andre. He received several titles, some of which includes; three-time WordNSound King of the mic, Winner of the Youth Art competition at the Roodepoort theatre (2019), World of Words slam Top 5 finalist (2019)and winner of the College Poetry Competition, 2 years running (2017-2018), both regional and provincial.
2019 to date, achievements
Hear My Voice Poetry Relief Fund, episode 4 performance.
WordNSound Digital slam Top 5, 2020.
Brown Bottle online session, 2020.
Poetry reading on The Poedcast, episode 24.
Freelance Writer for Poetry Zone 2019 to date.
WordNSound Top 5 finalist for 2019.
World of Words slam Top 5 finalist for 2019.
Three time WordNSound King of the mic.
Made history by being the youngest person to ever showcase at poetic Thursday at the Soweto theatre.
Part of the first ever Pick-me-up poetry Showcases which featured Yamoria, Belita Andre and Tshepo Molefe 2019.
He was part of the Curtain call production hosted by Art 24 academy at the Joburg Theatre 2019.
Headlined Day two of the Soweto Art week festival, held in Soweto 2019.
Winner of the Youth Art competition at the Roodepoort theatre 2019.
Assistant Directing Manager for The Art Revival for 2019.
World of Words showcase act for the finale 2019.
World of Words showcase act for the first ever poetry picnic at Victoria Yards 2019.
Pay the poet festival main act, held in Qwaqwa Dec 2019.
2018 – 2017 achievements
Jonathan Lefenya was the winner of the College Poetry Competition 2 years running, both regional and provincial.
Won 7 titles in two years.
Performed at UJ Soweto Campus for an event held by De Beers.
Lead poet at the Sidewalk art gallery located at the box near the Soweto theatre.
Jozi book fair slam runner up 2018.
Directing Manager at Soweto Theatre for poetic Thursdays 2018.
WordNSound Best New Comer nominee 2018.
African Print and Poetry awards Poem of the year winner 2018.
Shared the stage with the likes of Mpho Khosi, Mpho Mofokeng, Puleng Zealots and Bellita Andre, to name a few.
He has also graced many stages like the Plat4orm and Genesis Poetry.
