In today's world, poetry is a powerful tool for social change. It can be used to express emotions, experiences, and ideas that may not be easily communicated through traditional means of communication. The Umyalezo Poetry Project, created by Poeticsoul, is a project that aims to give a voice to underrepresented voices through the power of poetry.
The Umyalezo Poetry Project was created in response to the lack of representation of underrepresented voices in the literary world. Poeticsoul, a poet and spoken word artist, created the project as a way to empower and amplify the voices of individuals who are often marginalized in society. The project aims to create a safe space for individuals to share their stories and experiences through poetry.
One of the key objectives of the Umyalezo Poetry Project is to encourage and support the development of new poets. The project offers workshops and mentorship programs to help aspiring poets improve their writing skills and develop their voice. Through these programs, participants are able to gain a better understanding of the craft of poetry and the power of their words.
When asked about her passion for arts and poetry Poeticsoul responded by saying, “For me, I am that girl who always search for talent, for love, for beautiful untold stories. Also, this year through Umyalezo Poetry Project I am celebrating my 20th year in the poetry industry. Simultaneously, I am making sure that I am creating a platform for the younger generation so they can see the possibilities in this industry. Other than that, the project is looking for 6 poets this year – and in our upcoming event during March we will announce the winners”, she added.
The Umyalezo Poetry Project is a pilot that is aiming at finding out how much interest does the public and the poets has for such a platform. The results from the interest collection will assist the team to decide if there’s a need to take the initiative to other towns as it is only open to Gqeberha artists and poets. The project is funded and made possible by PESP 3 that is rolled out by NAC and the Department of Sports, Arts & Culture, as a way to create earning opportunities in the creative industry. All participating poets chosen will be paid, and thus far there are 25 earning opportunities created, and these are artists from different portfolios in the industry.
Perhaps one of the most significant achievements of the Umyalezo Poetry Project is its impact on the wider community. The project has helped to raise awareness of social issues and has given a platform for individuals to speak out about their experiences. Through the power of poetry, the project has helped to challenge stereotypes and promote social change.
The Umyalezo Poetry Project is a powerful initiative that has had a significant impact on the literary world and the wider community. Through its focus on empowering underrepresented voices and fostering community, the project has helped to give a voice to those who are often unheard. Poeticsoul and the Umyalezo Poetry Project are paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable literary landscape, and their work is an inspiration to poets and social activists around the world.