BW CULTURE: YOUNG POET MAKES MARK Tshepiso Tsietso reporting for BOPA from Khuis Many young talented people across Botswana are coming forward to ensure that their talent does not go to waste. A young poet, Moabi Itaoleng, is one of them. Itaoleng says lack of an opportunity for him to go to secondary school led him to find ways of earning a living. Later, he decided to use his talent to attain his dream of becoming a poet. He started to expose his talent in 2010 when he was a member of Target theatre group at Khuis where he was an actor. He decided to be an actor because he realised that his shyness has stood in his way to make it for himself. Today, he is not shy to perform for many people anywhere, anytime. When he was still at Target they competed in several competitions ii winning some; losing others. The 21-year-old energetic and passionate poet started his solo career in 2011. As time went on he decided to change his name to be something more related to his career and he called himself “Halala Sebatana”. He is determined to make his mark in poetry. His journey began early last year when he registered for the president competition. He first competed at ward level where he became number one. He went for another competition where, unfortunately, he did not advanced to next level. However, the failure did not turn him off because he knew what he wanted. He returned home where he continued to practice and ask for advice from the more experienced poets. Itaoleng tried again in 2013 and he did not go well again. He was lucky late last year when he was called to perform at Mafikeng in South Africa during the Bakgatla reunion. Unlike the other years, 2014 has been good for Itaoleng. He has been called to perform in number of events such as the safe male circumcision launch in Middlepits in February, tourism meeting in Maleshe on April and welcome party for national boxer Kgomotso Bok in Kisa in February. He performed again at Middlepits when the Ministry of Agriculture launched the special ISPAAD programme for the Kgalagadi District. People now acknowledge his poetry. His challenges include the fact that poetry is a difficult vocation as it needs time and focus; and that event organisers don’t pay him enough money to afford the requisite attire. Itaoleng plans to release a single towards the end of this year. He also wants to advance to the finals of the President’s Day competition in Gaborone. He advises young people to use their talents to earn a living for themselves. His other advice is that young people should always ask for tips from their families.
Posted on: Sat, 21 Jun 2014 08:03:56 +0000