Floyd ‘Chicco Azania’ Sibasa (27) is a poet, entrepreneur, and multi-faceted entertainer who was born and raised in the bustling Alexandra.
Chicco began writing poetry at the age of 10 when he was at Khomanani Primary School in Diepkloof after being inspired by Mzwakhe Mbuli. [who is he]
The father of two began recording his poetry in 2013 and most of his poems have gone viral since then. In 2020, he released his first extended play, Political Hobo under Sphula Isinkwa Records.
Speaking to Alex News, Chicco revealed that he had experienced depression in his teenage years, and he used poetry as an outlet to cope with his recurring suicidal thoughts.
“I fell into depression when I was eight after my father died and four years later my sister also passed away,” he said.
Chicco said his journey to becoming one of the highly regarded poets in Alex had not been a stroll in the park.
“In this journey, I have dealt with depression, unsupportive family and friends, no money to invest in studio time, and also trying to grow a brand without any financial backing.”
Currently, he is working on his next extended play Net 4 Mkonti which he said would be free to his fans. On the recording he recites his poems in English, Xitsonga, Sesotho, Isizulu, and Tsotsitaal.
Chicco enjoys writing and reciting poems about social ills, spirituality, matters of the heart, and the political landscape of the country, earning him the nickname Political Hobo.
“I did a poem entitled Dear crystal meth highlighting the issues around drug use. Following the poem, I received inboxes filled with feedback from people who went to rehab after hearing the poem.”
He has also made several guest appearances on TV shows such as Dlala nge ringas, Mehlo Madala, UpTheBucs, Daily Thetha, The Big Debate, and also recited his poetry several times on Alex FM.
“Getting my 20 poems accepted in the Avbob Poetry competition was one of my biggest highlights as a poet.”
In 2018, he hosted the Diepkloof street art festival where all profits went to buying sanitary towels for girls in five township schools.
His musical influences include Tupac Shakur, DMX, Fela Kuti, Brenda Fassie, Matshwa Bemuda, R. Kelly, Bhekumizi Luthuli, and Makhafula Vilakazi.
He defined a successful poet as one who healed from his poetry, along with an audience that resonated and related to the poet’s subject matter.
“Getting inbox messages from people telling me how my poems have helped them through tough times makes me a successful poet – I am successful.”
