07 Jun 2015

The story of Moemedi Ramakhidi’s rise from a drama actor to a poet of repute is a remarkable one. Perhaps it has proved to many people that shifting alternative sometimes can give a new lease of life.

Interestingly, the transition was not his original idea however the brainchild of his fans. Tracing his poetic journey from the corridors of Masilo CJSS to Kgari Sechele SSS, it is evident that he was a drama actor.

The talent he later continues to groom later in his life after formal schooling. Mostly during his stage performance he played the character of a grandfather, something that inspired him to use figurative language just like old men in tswana society.

Impressed by his eloquent use of figurative expression more especially Setswana proverbs, his fans suggested him to shift to poetry. The Molepolole born poet was reluctant and showed less enthusiasm to his fan’s suggestion. He admits that poetry was not his natural calling.

In 2005 during his spell with A He Ame Drama Group of Hukuntsi something happened which was a grounding breaking of Ramakhidi’s poetic history. The group was scheduled to perform at a certain event in Lehututu.

Unexpectedly, due to impromptu event the man who was scheduled to entertain the guests with poetry turned to be a director of the ceremony and he asked him to fill his shoes.

‘’I boldly sat on the stage and offered my first poem in life. To my surprise the audience congratulated me after the performance ’’ he said.

That was the turning point in his life. Subsequently he started to put much love and energy on poetry. He had been invited to entertain in various events such as national road safety, world AIDS Day, crime prevention workshops to mention a few.

Not limited to that, he had also praised cabinet ministers, top government officials and dikgosi. Top of his profession was in 2010 when invited to praise the late former vice President, Lieutenant General Mompati Merafhe during his official visit to Lokgwabe.

The event organisers had requested him to write a poem; however upon arriving in Lokgwabe he saw a stalk contrast in the set-up of the event .Therefore he offered a poem out of his mind which had the rapturous applause from the guests among them the late Kgosi Antony Moapare, the father to the newly paramount chief of Hukuntsi.

The 32 year old dreadlocked poet had competed in all President Arts Competitions since its inception. Last year he re-writes the history by overcoming the renowned and media centred poet, Mothusi Mothemele whom he described as uneasy to defeat. He also featured at the President Day Competition finals and scooped position five.

Always clad in animal skins with a walking stick in his right hand during his performance, the maverick poet who resides in Hukuntsi has a sharp tongue and he uses deep Setswana idioms that had many old men belittling themselves.

With his impressive Setswana lyrical prowess, Ramakhidi can easily beg for money from the audience depending on the type of events. He usually recited in a chorus saying, ‘’ kana ko kerekeng lo a itse gore fa moruti a kelemile, sengwe se a tswa mo dipateng. 

A ko lo latlhele moneelo tlhe batho’’. Loosely translated, as the preacher is on high note, something should come out of pockets, please drop out the offerings. The thankful audience will drop some notes and coins at his feet.

Unlike olden day’s poets who believe that history is the backbone of poetry, Ramakhidi adds good communication and entertainment as other features of poetry. 

He is also adamant that a good poet does not necessarily have to write his poem down.

Ramakhidi said in future he want to mix poetry with segapa but still struggling with funding. He further noted that he will confront the Department of Youth and Culture for funding. ENDS