adminNkosilathi Sibanda
BRIDGET Sibanda, a young Bulawayo performance poet claims she is better than Albert Nyathi and can outclass the celebrated dub poet at any stage. She has a reason to challenge Nyathi, a convincing one too. The 20-year-old has infiltrated a male dominated arena, one that a few have dared to conquer.
She chants and rhymes in isiNdebele in a flawless and audible way that will leave her audience spellbound.
It takes a woman of a rare DNA to do what society has long believed can be done by men only. For a young woman who is yet to taste fame, Sibanda is cast among the brave youngsters who would be the torch bearers of the art.
She carved a name in the not so “sexy” performance poetry business, not shy to proclaim herself as the queen poetess.
Fresh from high school and having crafted poetry performance at a young age, Sibanda was lucky to be embraced by her peers.
“I have not encountered resistance among my friends and family. I know that it is weird for some people to hear of an isiNdebele praise poet, let alone a female one. I am still to meet someone who would have a problem with what I do.”
Although she is yet to be a household name, Sibanda warns poetry fans, with bullish confidence, to watch the space as she would be the next big name in the industry.
“I want to challenge Albert Nyathi and show the world that I can do better poetry than him. I am not heaping praise on myself, but setting standards that I can achieve.”
“I have looked up to people like Albert and from a young age I told myself I can do better than him.”
A student of Amakhosi Theatre’s Poetic Dreams, Sibanda is an epitome of youth talent that is eager to be seen and appreciated.
“I am a superstar and would want people who listen to me to see that as well. Mypoetry is different in that I use so much alliteration with ease and you won’t find fault in that.”
Those passionate with poetry and have seen Sibanda perform can attest that, with discipline, she will go far.
Seasoned poet Sithandazile Dube spoke glowingly of Sibanda’s potential.
“Bridget is an example of a young woman who has cut boundaries to do what she knows best.
“We in the art industry are proud when the young are taking poetry up and vowing to perform at grand stages.
“It is particularly pleasing because young women are coming out of the closet to perform,” Dube.
Dube, Bulawayo’s proud poet is also a mentor to many other up-and-coming performance poets.
Sibanda remarked that if it was not for Dube, and playwright Styx Mhlanga’s mentorship, she would have given up.
“I am thankful to Stha and Styx. These guys pushed me when I thought there was no benefit in poetry. But look I’m earning a living here,” she said.
Besides being around poets and artistes of similar genre, Sibanda has since found a second home in theatre.
“Singing and acting just came naturally. I was part of the cast in a play called Because I am a girl and also done Donation of Blood written by Lisa Thelma Sidambe.
“I guess I am multi-talented and that keeps me going forward.
As a parting shot, she still insists on sharing the stage with Albert Nyathi.
“I wish it won’t be long. I dream of the day when he will admit I’m a better poet”.
Online Reporter