The 28th edition of the Poetry Africa Festival will be held from October 3-12, 2024, in Durban, South Africa, with a focus on the theme “Somehow We Survive.” This year’s festival will celebrate the resilience of the human spirit in the face of political, social, and technological change, drawing inspiration from the poem “Somehow We Survive” by South African poet and activist Denis Brutus, marking the centenary of his birth.
Organized by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Poetry Africa has evolved into a major international platform celebrating poetry’s role in social change. The festival will feature 72 poets from 21 countries, including participants from Nigeria, Kenya, the United States, Palestine, the United Kingdom, and Zimbabwe.
Read: University of Ghana Chosen to Host 2024 Africa Basketball Festival
A Tribute to Denis Brutus and the Power of Poetry
Denis Brutus, an iconic figure in South African history, was a poet, activist, and educator who survived apartheid-era violence and imprisonment alongside Nelson Mandela. His poetry reflected the indomitable spirit of South African citizens, and the festival’s theme, “Poetry: Somehow We Survive,” serves as a tribute to his legacy. Brutus’ work continues to inspire poets to write about survival in a rapidly changing world.
Siphindile Hlongwa,the curator of the Poetry Africa festival, explained the significance of this year’s theme: “This year’s festival borrows from Brutus’ call to inspire poets to respond to the survival of the human spirit amidst political, social, and technological upheavals.”
Featured Artist and Festival Highlights
The 2024 festival will honor Lefifi Tladi, a multi-talented South African artist, poet, and musician, as the featured artist. Tladi is known for his dedication to self-determination and artistic excellence, having founded The Poets and the Museum for African Art. His legacy will be celebrated through various performances and engagements throughout the festival.
Additionally, the festival will travel to different venues across South Africa. It will be hosted at the University of Johannesburg Arts and Culture Centre (October 3-5), the Performing Arts Council of the Free State in Bloemfontein (October 7-8), and the Seabrooke Theatre in Durban (October 10-12). Virtual sessions will also be available from October 6-11, offering a hybrid format for broader global participation.
Read: Anita Erskine: A Voice for Women, Education, and African Excellence
A Global Celebration of Poetry
The Poetry Africa Festival is not just about South African poetry—it’s a global celebration. In addition to the performances, the festival will include open mic sessions, poetry slams, book launches, and panel discussions. The popular Slam Jam competition will return, allowing poets worldwide to showcase their spoken word talents.
The festival’s collaboration with international cultural institutes, including the French Institute of South Africa and Istituto Italiano di Cultura – Pretoria, highlights its global reach and impact.
Looking Forward: Poetry Africa’s Role in World Slam Poetry
Poetry Africa has even bigger plans, with Durban set to host the World Slam Poetry Competition in 2026. As Hlongwa notes, “While this may be Poetry Africa, the poetry is global, and the popularity is universal.”
The full program was released on August 30, and ticket sales began on September 2 via Webtickets for those interested in attending this year’s festival.
The 2024 Poetry Africa Festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of resilience, creativity, and poetry’s unifying power in a complex world.