22 Dec 2015

It has also been used in different societies to address contemporary issues and give advice at the same time.

African cultures are known to have great legends of poetic artistry mainly for kings and leaders of governments. 

It has emerged that poetry as an art has got nothing to do with qualifications or level of education, but it is sheer talent. 

Botswana is among countries, which have such immense talent among its citizenry.

While it has to be noted that some poets are good at creating amazing rhythmical connotations filled with praise or emotional visages through the word of mouth while some sit by the side of the river or spend time with nature and write different poems to later be published for the world to see.

Among such talented artists is Samora Motlhagodi, a Tutume-born lad whose recitation is out of this world.

The first time the man shot to fame was during an invitation to a poverty eradication show in Mochudi.

When the then little known Motlhagodi took the podium, many were left puzzled at his ability to send such a strong message on poverty and its impact on the lives of people. 

The powerful, vivid expressions made many ponder and vindicate themselves, as such, the message got through and stuck on many a minds.

In an interview, Motlhagodi said he realised his talent while at primary school during the time when writing letters to friends was popular.

He said he always found himself in trouble as his friends requested help from him, but ended up being caught by teachers and punished.

Motlhagodi said he decided to suppress his talent until a time when he was grown up, but he never pursued his talent afterwards as he decided to join the police service, where he worked for several years.

According to him, innate talent never dies unless the carrier of the talent is no more, adding that he had to quit his work when things were not going as planned.

“I quit my job in 2003 and enrolled for a marketing course with GIPS and afterwards I worked for different companies as a sales representative.”

Motlhagodi said despite all these, there remained a ‘hole’ in him and that’s when he decided to write down poems, which he put on a book he called Raw Thoughts on Verses.

He describes poetry as emotions recollected under a highly emotional state and that there has to be a choice of words that rhyme.

He further said he calls the poems raw because they have not been edited.

Motlhagodi adds that it is the tenacity of undisturbed thoughts, which result in the completion of his book.

He said the poverty poem was made at a time when he was going through a hard time when everyone deserted him and distanced themselves from him due to his lack.

“It was then that God stepped in and rescued me. 

More poems started coming in as thoughts and I saw light at the end of the tunnel.”

Motlhagodi said he then stopped looking for a job and concentrated on completing his book, but he had to undertake odd jobs so that he can publish it.

Raw Thoughts in Verses was first printed in 2014 and 100 copies were sold in two weeks. 

That gave him the energy and zeal to put more effort on printing and sales.

He said he did not only write and sell, but also enjoyed reciting his poems to different audience. 

This talented artist said the colloquial praises he receives from people were more than what he could comprehend.

 “People are supporting me, including government and I am very happy for the response.” 

Motlhagodi’s book is made of three chapters. 

The first one focuses on political issues; the second one on general contemporary issues while the third chapter is made up of personal poems.

He says government has bought his book for all national libraries and the University of Botswana has also purchased it. Different bookshops and individuals have also bought the poetic book.  

Motlhagodi says his greatest challenge is the cost of advertising, which is too high .

Nevertheless, he says that will not kill his dream, but he will keep on working hard until he realises it.

He also says lack of transport hinders him from reaching far-away places.

Motlhagodi further said lack of capital to print more copies of his book limits his production, but he remains hopeful to get funding so he can run his project smoothly.

He says he has enjoyed the motivation and support from Batswana, especially the residents of Pilane, who have only wished him prosperity. 

 

He advises upcoming writers and poets never to give up on their dreams and to always share their raw thoughts for others to polish. Ends