We started the year on an amazing note, at the Market Theatre Complex, to 5-to-sold out house. Congratulations to all the winners for 2017’s WNS Awards.
Poet of the Year: Kori Strange
This award recognises the determination and consistency shown by a poet, and for the second year in a row, Kori Strange, a 2017 Poetry League finalist, scooped this award. We can’t wait to see what he has coming for us in 2018.
Best Newcomer: Siyabonga Tim
This award sheds light on a bright spark that we cannot wait to see burst. Salute!
Best Showcase: Rabbie Wrote
One third of @OpusPoetry, writer and poet Rabbie Wrote took this honour home.
My dad would be proud. First the book, #BcReader, now #WNSAwards. Rest in Poetry Wrote Father Opus. Dankie @WordNSound @OpusPoetry #UltimateForm pic.twitter.com/Ewx9pyGru8
— Rabbie Serumula (@Rabbie_wrote) February 5, 2018
Perfect Poem: Kwelamathongo by Kwazi Ndlangisa The audience loved this award, and this poem. Even though he could not be with us, Kwazi sent us this acceptance speech
Congratulations to @Kwazipoetry on winning the Best Showcase Award. #WNSAwards pic.twitter.com/TSJEx3JUa8
— Word N Sound (@WordNSound) February 3, 2018
Innovation In Poetry: Kolela Putuma
Where do we even start?? Collective Amnesia continues to lay testament to the fact that poetry, does indeed, sell. Not only that, but also vouches for the significance of poetry in Literature. The collection is currently being translated into Italian, and has been introduced into the curriculum at two of the top universities in the country.
Guys…who even knew that there was such a thing as a book launch tour? Big up to @KPutuma on what you did with #CollectiveAmnesia, revolutionised how we sell poetry books. 👊🏾#InnovationInPoetry pic.twitter.com/ozhLXvGZAM
— Word N Sound (@WordNSound) February 3, 2018
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Poetry League Champion: Tshepo Molefe
The reigning King of Word N Sound’s Poetry League, Tshepo battled it out against four other kings at the Poetry League Finale, to win this title. It was a tough match. Congratulations!
Congratulations to our reigning king @tshepomolefe942…you fought hard and deserve to be sitting on that throne! Salute king!#WNSAwards pic.twitter.com/7zhPV5sC62
— Word N Sound (@WordNSound) February 3, 2018
Word N Sound Honours
Natalia Molebatsi It is important that we thank the many path-makers in this industry. We salute Natalia Molebatsi for her continued contribution and dedication to taking South African poetry to new heights. Watch her tribute to the late Prof Keorapetse Kgosietsile.
Lebo Mashile
Who else’s name is synonymous with South African poetry? I mean! We salute Lebo Mashile for her continued boundary breaking work!
Athol E Williams Award: Lukhanyo Hlongwane
This award goes to the poet whose shown the most growth in a season, and we can all admit, Lukhanyo deserves this, even making it to the 2017 Poetry League finale as a contender for the crown.
