WATCH: Poetry to heal the nation
KwaThema - Young poet Edgar Mashaba (22) is using his talent to fight social ills.
He started writing poetry at school when he was 13 years old and has never looked back.
He says he was motivated by his English teachers to write and perform poems.
“Poetry has allowed me to be able to speak my mind on issues such as social ills.
He believes poets are the eyes and mouths for those who cannot speak for themselves.
“We communicate the seen and unseen situations.
“We are able to speak out on behalf of those who can’t speak for themselves,” he says.
Masha is working on his first official album titled “Visions of a born free” which is due to be released later in the month.
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“I chose the title because often born frees are labelled as absent minded and not being in touch with the challenges of the country.
Mashaba says the album covers poems on some of the challenges that South Africans face on a daily basis.
“They include rape, women and child abuse, crime, teenage pregnancy, dropping out of school and xenophobia.
“It motivates, encourages my listeners and victims that there is a better day ahead to change the way we see things and react to situations.
Read: Elderly poet draws inspiration from everyday life
“People from all walks of life will be able to relate to the album,” he says.
Mashaba can also be spotted on the small screen presenting Vision and Encounter on Tshwane TV.
“The platform has offered me the opportunity to improve my craft as a public speaker.
“I am able to express myself better than when I first started,” he says.
