Badlisha Poetry X-Change
Badilisha is a kiSwahili expression that means to exchange, transform and change.
Badilisha was conceived to celebrate the diversity of languages, cultures and styles of presenting poetry and to platform poetry as a performance art. Its’ mandate is to expose and support aspirant, as well as established, poetic voices, grow audiences and their appreciation for divergent poetic forms, facilitate networking, dialogue and learning opportunities between African and African Diaspora poets and poetry lovers, and to provide the means and opportunity to platform poetry focused on and dedicated to social change.
New voices in African poetry have historically gained their global exposure and documentation through foreign publications and academic research. These narrow channels have extremely limited the plethora of African writers, poets, and academics from being read and heard throughout the world. This lack of publication and recording has meant that most young African poets and writers are exposed to and primarily influenced by the work of literary icons from the Global North through what they have been taught in school, read about, seen and heard. Their knowledge of African authors and poets is limited, preventing the inspiration and influence vital to their growth, development, self-confidence and sense of place.
The issues are not confined however, to simply the lack of access and outlets. Equally important are what Pan-African’s have to say. The contribution poets and writers have made too social change throughout history is immeasurable. The poetic medium provides an extraordinary tool to define, expose and fundamentally shape our perceptions of the worlds we occupy. Bringing these Pan-African voices beyond their localities can make a vital contribution to social change both in Africa and beyond.
To-date, Badilisha, has produced two large-scale international poetry festivals in 2008 and 2009 as well as a series of related poetry interventions e.g. seminars, workshops and training programmes. Its engagement with poets from Africa and its Diaspora has been primarily through hosting poets on its platforms and networking with South African poetry groups to extend their interaction beyond public performances.
The Africa Centre’s intention is to strategically reshape the Badilisha project format, in order to expand its scope and reach. The new strategy is to include two annual live poetry events (In May and November), which include performances, seminars and workshops and to create a new internet based radio station that will podcast a range of poets from Africa and its Diaspora. The radio platform was borne from the need to expand and grow beyond the constraints of physical, live events. The only way to provide an outlet for the 1,000s of poets and to access millions is through a virtual medium. The aims and objectives of the new radio station are to:
- Expand the platforms and deepen the nature of engagement with African and African Diaspora poets and organisations;
- Create new and viable opportunities for the promotion and sustainability of African and African Diaspora poetry;
- Present a diversity of poetic voices, genres, languages to reflect contemporary trends and evolutions in the medium; and
- Draw attention to the social and political activist voice, present in the work of participating poets.
Badilisha Poetry Radio is the first Internet based radio station dedicated exclusively to the poets of Africa and its Diaspora. Badilisha is currently co-curatored by Malika Ndlovu and Bandile Gumbi.
To view coverage of the Badilisha! Live in May 2009, click here. For more information and/or access to footage and the archive of the previous live events, as well as access to the current Badilisha Poetry X-Change podcasts, please go to: www.badilishapoetry.com
