Q & A - Natalia Molebatsi (Award winning poet)

Farai Diza (FD): What inspires your poetry?

Natalia Molebatsi (NM): I am inspired by words and how they are able to influence conversations. Through poetry we can also navigate our emotions and experiences, including the joys and trauma that our bodies carry. I’m inspired everyday to use my poetry to speak truth to the ills of the erasure of black women, racism, misogyny and capitalism and how these phenomena impact the lives of our people.

FD: Having edited a number of poetry anthologies, do you think African poetry is still relevant?

NM: I have actually edited one poetry anthology called We Are and working on the next one. However, I have published two collections of my own poetry. Our stories, visions, and experiences are valid and important. We need to hear them and affirm them, locally and globally. Our poetry is relevant now than ever before and it will never cease to be exciting because we live against the odds and continue to push through the violence of colonialization, among so many obstacles.

FD: How has poetry impacted your life?

NM: Poetry has given life to my existence. Poetry continues to give my voice a chance to be heard and engaged with. Poetry, gives me the world, everyday.

FD: Who are some of your best African poets?

NM: Romeo Oriogun, Koleka Putuma, Lebohang Mashile, Warsan Shire, Chris Abani, Kwame Dawes, TJ Dema, Kadija Sesay. There are too many poets to list. However, these are a few whose work i engage often.

FD: What advice would you give to budding poets?

NM: Read more than you write. Writing will come because you have access to a large and varied vocabulary.

Those who wish to order Natalia Molabatsi’s books can send an order through her website: www.nataliamolebatsi.com