Free State and local veteran poets were celebrated during the second Annual Free State Poetry Festival held from 20-23 September in Bloemfontein.
The main event of the festival, Free State Poetry Night, took place on 23 September at the Civic Theatre, where poets from the Mangaung Metro and across the Free State united to showcase their talent.
Performances included a diverse lineup featuring Ntsie Phetoane, Mpho Tau, Thandaza, Bomla B, Mythokoz, Ladybird, Tshireletso Nkoane, Rea, and Lehlohonolo Mabaso, among others.
A special gala dinner on 22 September at the Bon Hotel honored both living and deceased veteran poets. Families of late poets received framed pictures of their loved ones, ensuring their contributions to the art form were remembered and celebrated.
Charmaine Mrwebi, the festival organizer, expressed pride in the event’s success, noting its growth was evident in this second edition. She highlighted that the festival not only pays tribute to veteran Free State poets but also encourages creativity, inviting various artists to participate and enhance the performances with music, drums, and more.
The audience experienced new original poems, delivered with high production value, leaving them captivated and engaged.
“This festival is more than an event; it’s a poetic ceremony of memory and gratitude. We gather not to mourn, but to immortalize the spirit of our fallen legends through spoken word, and to take the baton from them to promote reading and writing in the Free State and beyond,” stated the Mrwebi.
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