I'm no chancer - Phuthego

THATO KALA
Correspondent | Tuesday June 19, 2012 00:00

 

The former Btv newsreader surprised all and sundry when he dropped a seven-track poetry album at the beginning of the year.

According to Phuthego, the album, which has been hailed as 'food for the soul' by many, was 'a mere call for celebration of talent and spiritual revival'. He went on to explain that he is not done with music and poetry. 

'We are in the process of working on another album and three songs are already done; we expect it to be bigger than the maiden one. In less than four months the complete album will be ready,' he told Showbiz.

The articulate star oozes passion for poetry and is seemingly inspired by an inner desire to satisfy his love for the spoken word.

'I have so much peace in poetry - that's why I did my first album in five days. I also never promoted it much, it is 'selling itself', he said.

The DVD and a launch for his debut album are also on the cards.

According to Phuthego, South Africa's renowned poet, Mzwakhe Mbuli has shown interest in attending his launch.He emphasised that he is not taking chances, but merely nurturing his God given talent.

'I'm not taking chances, this is my talent. I am nurturing it, and like a plant, it must be cultivated and watered for it to grow,' he explained. 

The devout Christian speaks confidently about his abilities and quipped that his fans must expect him to reveal another of his hidden talents after a decade.

Interestingly, Phuthego shared that he has been reciting poems since primary school, but didn't pursue it professionally. In his early 20s he worked as a news reader for state broadcaster Btv and now, his poetry album has set him on a new pedestal.

'I am master of myself: I can end my sorrow as I can invent my pleasure. I dominate my emotions, my life and my dreams,' he said self assuredly.

When growing up, Phuthego says he drew inspiration from the likes of Mtabaruka, Mbuli, Ponatshego Mokane and Ratsie Setlhako.

'I'm not inspired by the actors of the Bold and Beautiful or any Hollywood stars. I am inspired by Africans who excel in each and every respect of life. I admire Africans who defy odds and rise to the occasion and whose relentless pursuit for excellence is limitless,' he noted.

He admits that pursuing his craft is not for his own glory, but for the benefit of generations to come. 'Life is about legacy - the footprints you leave behind,' Phuthego.