BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MADLANGEMPISI – In the vibrant landscape of Eswatini’s poetry scene, Buhle Sithembiso Maziya, known as Leader, is making significant strides in the realm of spoken word. His poetic journey began in 2019 at the University of Eswatini, where he was inspired by the UNESWA Poetry Society.
Maziya credits his community of poets for igniting his passion for writing and performing poetry. He remarked, “I wanted to explore my own voice,” showcasing how this supportive environment motivated him to express his thoughts and feelings. Influenced by poets like Festival B and Masango Mbongiseni, he found inspiration in their performances, which revealed the power of spoken word.
Maziya’s poetry reflects his personal experiences and observations. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling, aiming to capture the nuances of life, love, and cultural themes. His connection to SiSwati, his mother tongue, enriches his work, allowing him to express deep cultural emotions. He states, “The richness and expressiveness of the language allow me to delve deeper into cultural themes and emotions.”
With numerous poems to his name, Maziya views each piece as a unique exploration of his thoughts and feelings. “Each poem is a journey,” he affirms, revealing how his work serves as a reflection of his inner world. He often delves into themes of love, life lessons, and cultural identity, finding beauty and vulnerability in the complexities of human connections.
One of Maziya’s proudest moments was performing at Ginosko Boy’s One-Man show in South Africa ,Johannesburg, where he crafted a personalized poem for the artist. He highlights the impact of these experiences, stating they helped him realize the connections his poetry can create. Another significant performance was for Sipho Ndlovu, known as Sphola, from the popular series The Wife.
For Maziya, poetry is more than just words; it is a spiritual conduit. He believes that poetry distills life into its most potent form and serves as a powerful tool for expression and healing. “It’s about finding rhythm and meaning in the chaos,” he reflects, aiming to connect deeply with his audience.
Maziya acknowledges the challenges faced by poets in Eswatini, noting that while the art scene is developing, there is a growing sense of dynamism and resilience. He expresses gratitude for the progress but emphasizes the need for wider recognition and support for the arts.
Preparation is crucial for Maziya. He engages in a ritual of prayer and focused rehearsal to center himself and connect with his poems’ essence. This combination of spiritual grounding and practical refinement enhances his delivery and authenticity.
Maziya offers valuable advice for aspiring poets: “Keep writing, even when you feel like no one is listening.” He underscores the importance of consistent practice, reading widely, and embracing personal experiences as the raw material of poetry. He encourages poets to leverage social media to share their work and connect with others.
To follow Maziya’s journey and engage with his work, you can find him on social media as @Poet_leader.
For his poems, visit this link • https://youtube.com/@poetleader.chronicles_of_a9632?si=XxrFJri9GuIVmOne. For inquiries or collaborations, reach him at 76902426 or via email at sithembisobuhlemaziya@gmail.com.
