BULAWAYO poet Lyndah Talent Sithole popularly known as Sonkomose has joined artists across genres in the use of arts to fight drug and substance abuse.
Sonkomose, who is also a member of Sunduza Dance theatre, told NewsDay Life & Style that she wants to help youths from Pelandaba West who are faced with a serious scourge amid concerns over a rise in suicide cases due to drug abuse.
“My three poems on the forthcoming album titled Sabela aim to raise awareness about the dangers of drug and substance abuse and inspire positive change. The first poem speaks about the devastating effects of ignorance towards mental health for men and young boys. I wrote it after the death of Fidelis “NguMdluli” Nyathi,” she said.
“The second poem explores the dangers of drug abuse and its impact on individuals and society while the third one addresses the issue of gender-based violence and the need for greater support and protection for victims.”
Sonkomose revealed that her motivation came after realising that people appreciated traditional poetry compared to spoken word.
“Many spoken word poets have been involved in poetry that tackle social issues, but people don’t take it seriously, hence as a praise poet, I have realised how people love traditional poetry, so I decided not to limit myself to totems only, but also talk about social issues,” she said.
She said the poetry album included I am Sonkomose as an introduction, War Cry Continues, Ubuwula Bomhlaba, and Yeyeni.
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