Ba re e ne re Literature Festival Day 2 was held at Maseru Preparatory School. Acting as MC for the day was the incredible Molebz Rampou. The day was kicked off with a story reading by Reatile Mohapeloa. This was followed by some energy filled performances by the students are the National University of Lesotho International School, who danced, sang and acted their way into the audience members’ hearts. We then had two more wonderful performances by poet Teboho Rantsaobe and musician Juvinile.
The programme then turned to a panel discussion which touched on the culture of reading and writing in Southern Africa as well as the use of indigenous vs. colonial language to either preserve stories or project them to a wider audience. The panel was moderated by Bongani Kona from Chimurenga. International guests on the panel were Niq Mhlongo and Yewande Omotoso. Local writers from Lesotho included Mpho Makara, Patrick Bereng, Teboho Rantsoabe and Motebang Sekhohola.
Following the panel discussion, the audience was treated to a skype conversation with the South African writer Zakes Mda, who had spent many years living and working in Lesotho in his younger days. The conversation was very interactive and Bra Zakes spent the entire time responding to questions from the audience.
Throughout the day Liepollo Rantekoa’s portrait kept watch on the programme.
In the evening there was special poetry night at a private residence featuring performances by Siphiwe, Lineo Peshoana and Zhazha.
Ba re e ne re | Arts Education 