15 May 2017

A  fervent poet, Loago Malatelele, who goes by the stage name Segwaba Itaye desires to penetrate the poetry industry.
According to him, poetry is a brief way of telling stories and expressing emotions.
The 28-year-old fanatic, who hails from Kanye, started poetry in 2013 soon after realising that he had the potential.

Even though he is living with disability, he did not allow that to deter him from realising his passion and utilising his God-given talent. A God fearing Malatelele is living with the belief that everything is possible to those who trust in God.
He told BOPA that he is a seasoned Setswana poet who nurtured his talent while he was still a young boy.

He listed South African poet and singer, Mzwakhe Mbuli, Zahara and the much celebrated local poet Benson Phuthego as his role models. He explained that they contributed a lot to his love for poetry.
 “Poetry is part of culture and culture moulds us to be responsible citizens who have a sense of belonging,” said the enthusiastic Malatelele.
He said he chose poetry to express his thoughts and feelings because his upbringing was full of pain, sorrow and regret, adding that his disability is the major cause of tears because it was hard for him to accept his condition as a child.
Despite all these, he did not despair, but used every opportunity he acquired to pattern his future. He said now he is strong, determined and believes in himself.

He added that most of his poems are about real stories and focus on daily lifestyles, honourable legends and himself as well.
He says constituency competitions were a blessing to him as he did exceptionally well and scooped best prize in contemporary poetry.

He also participated in regional presidential competitions, where he however did not do well.
He has also been invited to community activities such as weddings, parties and societal activities such as welcoming visitors during kgotla meetings and other events such as Disability Day and Independence Day.
Malatelele reveals is a living example that with God everything is possible. He says that he is not only a poet but also a vocalist and a singer. He released his first album titled Lobolaela Volume 1, was produced by Bullet Ketshabile Music Production.

‘Since I wanted to nurture my passion for music, I trained my nephew, Kemmonye who was a contestant in My African Dream and walked away with a trophy and a certificate for being the best in dancing,’’ he said.
The multi-talented Malatelele says he met a motivational manager, Jackson Pitso in 2013. Pitso, who is a graphic designer, is the one who helped Malatelele to write poems and lyrics. He described Pitso as his leading mentor as he always motivates him whenever he needs courage.

He listed shortage of funds and discouragements as the main factors that affect him, but says he believes that all challenges are temporary, adding that he will worked tirelessly to reach his destiny.
He says after realising that there is too much criticism, he ended up writing a book entitled Voice of Disability, which he he says will be complete next April. ENDS