Anticipation builds as Sonkomose prepares for a stellar performance at Durban’s Poetry Africa Festival

LOCAL praise poetess, “Sonkomose”(born Lyndah Talent Sibanda) is anticipating a stellar performance at the upcoming 28th edition of the Poetry Africa Festival, set to take place in Durban, South Africa, from October 3 to 12.

Poetry Africa is an annual international poetry festival, curated and presented by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban every October.

This year’s theme, “Poetry: Somehow, we survive,” is inspired by a poem by the late Harare-born Denis Brutus, who died in Cape Town after surviving gun shots from apartheid police and imprisonment alongside former South African president Nelson Mandela on Robben Island and exile.

Brutus’ anthology, Somehow We Survive, utilised praise poetry to celebrate the indomitable spirit and resilience of the citizens.
In an interview, Sonkomose expressed excitement about showcasing her talents to the world.

“I’m proud of myself and very honoured to be part of the festival as a performer and judge for the Slam that’s going to take place, with the winner set to represent South Africa at the World Poetry Slam. I can’t wait to get going and above everything else, I’m happy and grateful,” she said.

For the past year or two, Sonkomose has been raising the poetic and artistic bar, giving homage to Sunduza Dance Theatre for “acknowledging and nurturing my talent,” as well as Kay Media for “helping me understand the business side of art. Both organisations played a major role in my career thus far.”

For poetry fans, Sonkomose promised an electrifying performance, stating, “I don’t just recite poetry; I perform it.”

Sonkomose, an actress, dancer and storyteller in the music and dance ensemble Sunduza Dance Theatre, has performed and toured at festivals both locally and internationally.

She has also appeared at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda, the KwaMashu Cultural Exchange in Durban, the So Creative Summit in Johannesburg, the US Embassy showcase, British Council Culture Week, the Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo and the Bulawayo Arts Festival.

In 2021, she was acknowledged as the “Best Female Poet” at the Pumula Royal Arts and Community Awards (Praca).

Poetry Africa will host the 2026 World Poetry Slam Championship from October 8 to 10, 2026. — Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu