Young poet publishes second anthology

The written word … My Pen is a Socialite by Sheila Khala.

The ability to jot down inspiration entices change and forces improvement on the universe.

This is according to Sheila Khala (22) from Lesotho who was speaking at the launch of her second poetry anthology My Pen is a Socialite.

The city’s emerging verse virtuosos descended on Cappello in Westdene, Bloemfontein last week to celebrate Khala’s new offering with poetry, comedy, and music.

My Pen is a Socialite is a collection of thought-provoking poems which explore the world, emotions, and dreams.

The emerging writer is no stranger in poetry circles. At the age of 19, Khala published her first book Formula – Leading Life to Perfection.

She has performed at the Southern African Development Community Poetry Festival and shared the stage with other poets such as Napo Masheane, Kgafela oa Magogodi, and Lesego Rampolokeng.

At the launch, Khala spoke about the power of the written word.

“The ability to jot down inspiration enchants change and forces improvement to the universe. Great multi-millionaires of the century achieved skill from ink and paper of some strangers’ experience in a fairer world.”
She also gave the crowd a taste of her verse:

“My tongue is a pen of a ready writer; it’s a throbbing ink in the center of a spoken word.

An emanating fluctuation of the rhythm from the souls of my feet.

A stage and thee voice, a focal point and selection of righteousness”

The event was emceed by Kennedy ‘Deejay Iza’ Kenney, as well Lesedi FM presenter Maletsatsi ‘DJ Digga’ Sejake. Regular performing poets from the Colourful Poetry Nites, which is a monthly poetry session at the Colourful Coffee Bar, were also present. They included Serame ‘Icebound’ Makhele, Aubrey Mifi, Hector Kunene, Jah Rose, as well as Lyrical Bacteria.

The crowd was kept in stitches with the comedy of So You Think You’re Funny finalist Itumeleng Modise.

There were performances by BlaqSoul, made up of Xavagne-Leigh Fransman on vocals and keyboard and Edgar Mpuru on the guitar, as well as vocalist Dudu who had the crowd in the palm of her hand with her
soulful sounds.