26 Oct 2016

Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen, so says  the great poet, Leonardo da Vinci - and so is Kebabonye Poshi’s work, so clear and vivid it cuts through one’s emotions.

The 30-year-old Moshupa born narrates how his passion for poetry started at an early age while he was doing traditional poetry and dance at primary school.

Unlike many who fall by the wayside, he held on to his first love until he completed form five, where upon he joined Shirley Mokoka in her album, Khebebolela as a dancer soon after she decided to break away from Mokorwana Traditional Group and go solo.

“I also moved to South Africa, where I pursued my career as a poet, musician and traditional dancer,” he explained.

In South Africa he worked with the likes of All Stars Tradition and Magosiangwao, both under Sunshine Music Record in Pretoria.

After ensuring that he had widened his horizon in the South African market, Poshi came back home to work with Shumba Ratshega on his album Ditawana as a dancer.

“When the great Maxy Sedumedi released her album, Rebatswana, I worked with her as a dancer and proceeded to work with Sticks Rahiba on his album, Pilediwa before I decided to embark on my own project,” he said.

Even though he is a man of many talents, it is poetry that really captured his heart.

Known as Chikafala in the music spheres, this folklore poet seems to be many people’s favourite in the mining town of Jwaneng, where he resides.

“A lot of people always told me that I should take poetry to another level, I never knew this talent was destined to help me live above bread line as I believed there was no money in the music industry, especially poetry,” he said.

He said it was then that he decided to volunteer to perform in events taking place in Jwaneng such as HIV/AIDS sensitization events, mayor’s candle light ceremonies and Choppies promotions, where his performances took the audience by storm, hence the popularity.

“I believe that people love me mostly because of my voice, it is very unique and catches their attention.

I also deliver great performance and keep my audience wanting more,” he said, rather blowing his own horn.

His humility and punctuality has earned him respect from the community.

People have now gained so much confidence in him that they book him to perform at weddings, parties and events in and around the sparkling town. ENDS