In some instances, some do not even know their native language and they see nothing wrong with that and live a carefree life. However, that is not the case for Israel Ntire who has decided to retrace his steps and deviate from the norm. His journey has landed him in poetry. The young poet from Mmadinare, whose stage name is Ntire Nkoborwane, is a traditional poet who does praise, educational and entertaining poetry. In an interview with Arts&Culture, he pointed out that he started poetry when he was still in junior school.
He said he grew up in an urban life setup as both of his parents were government employees and therefore, he spent his whole life in the city and towns. “I did not go to cattle posts or lands like other kids when I was young so when I met people who used to go there, I wanted to also experience it so that I could fit in. I had a friend called Boemo Kebafitlhetse from Lekgolobotlo, who was brilliant in traditional poetry. He could recite poems about cattle and divination (throwing bones), I wanted to be like him. One thing I always had was confidence, so when there was a talent show at school I took the microphone and started reciting my friend’s lines and people loved it. I kept doing it until I finished my Form 5,” he said proudly. He explained that after completing his BGCSE, he decided to register for Constituency Arts Competitions where he excelled.
