I miss having tea at the Outie Bakery in Newton, during the Live Literature Markets. I used to sneak in and enjoy the conversations of the day. It was led by the team at WordnSound, Qhakaza and Afurakan, who then later partnered with the team at Cheeky Natives, Dr Alma & Letlhogonolo.
I was so glad when I found a space where poetry was a verb, not that weird little thing I used to do in high school. The space provided a warm platform for writers & poets with all kinds of experiences to engage, recite & connect. It smelled like coffee & books, joy.
I learnt so much from the space, I met the most beautiful people and I miss those mornings dearly. I can’t recall how many books I bought from the space but this collection “Our Words, Our Worlds” stands out for me. I bought this one on the Women’s Day rendition of the show which was star studed but really affirming for my black life.
Myesha Jenkins was in the room that afternoon, and she asked for my name, I said Nomathemba Magagula. Then, when she passed, I realized she’d left this beautiful little note for me. What is wild for me, is that it was before I knew I was a Nguni, Hlubi girl.
The conversations are growing online. Please follow @WordnSound & @CheekyNatives to access the poetry & literature communities shaping Africa’s conversations every day.
