Awards for poetry legends slated for April

Moreri will on April 30 host the inaugural Setswana Poetry Awards, which will be held at Limkokwing. He said he noticed that musicians and visual artists have awards, which cater specifically for them, but no poet had been given an award in the last 50 years. He explained that as a poet, he decided to start the ball rolling and come up with the awards to recognise the contributions made by legendary poets. He said this year’s awards would be restricted to Setswana poets of the yesteryears.

“Even though these poets have never received recognitions, in the form of being given awards, they have contributed a lot to the growth of poetry in our country,” he said. Award recipients include Sir Ketumile Masire, former minister Kebatlamang Morake, Moabi S. Kitchen, N. Kitchen, L.D. Raditladi, R. D Molefhe, Malikongwa, Billy Mokgosi, R. K. K. Molefhi, Robojalwa Keetile, Sekokotla Kaboeamodimo, Benjamin Janie, Still Waters, Mzwakhe Mbuli, Ralou Sebetlela, Delbesek and Ponatshego Mokane. The list includes both oral and written poets.