He declaims about different phases of life

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     Poetry & Literature

Poet Vhutshilo “Bornwise” Khumari (25) made the newspapers and dominated radio stations' hit lists after releasing his début poetry album some five years ago.

About a month ago, a more mature Bornwise returned from Chiawelo in Gauteng with a 10-track album, Vhutshilo. It can only be literally translated into "Life", but for the poet, the concept is unpacked and repacked again into different dimensions of life stages and scenarios.

“In poetry I have found a refuge,” he said. “Poetry is the medium through which I am able to express my innermost feelings. I hold poetic licence to write and recite about critical issues without fear and prejudice.” The album boasts poems such as Ndi khou dzhena, Sialala, U sa pfa khaladzi, Pfarelo mubebi, Afrika Tshipembe and Muswa Vuwa.

Through his poetry, he reminds his listeners that life can be good, sad, and enjoyable. He speaks about different phases and stages of life. “Sometimes life can be painful like a sore in the flesh,” he says. He criticises parents, both young and old, who neglect children and choose to lead a life of too much spending on unnecessary wants, which only demonstrates a human being's selfishness and inconsideration.

“I use my poems to urge youths to get on to their feet and make things happen for themselves,” he said. “Sometimes we also do wrong things that lead us into troubles, but our parents and guardians are always there to welcome us back into their warm arms. So, the song Pfarelo mubebi speaks about asking forgiveness from a parent and appreciating the kind of roles that parents or guardians play in our lives.”

Bornwise was raised by his maternal grandmother, whom he regards as his godmother, at Gogobole village in the Sinthumule area. “I respect and love my grandmother, Vho-Sarah Khumari,” he said. “She raised me. She continues to give me full support in my life. She loves my poetry.”

He added that the kind of love and care that the old lady had given him had made him develop deep respect for the women who raise orphaned and neglected children who then grow up to become pillars of the nation.

Bornwise was nominated for the Tshivenda Music Awards in 2012 with his début album Vhusiwana, which detailed the hardships and challenges that orphans had to face in life. He can be phoned on 076 088 5833.

By: Tshifhiwa Mukwevho

Tshifhiwa Given Mukwevho was born in 1984 in Madombidzha village, not far from Louis Trichardt in the Limpopo Province. After submitting articles for roughly a year for Limpopo Mirror's youth supplement, Makoya, he started writing for the main newspaper. He is a prolific writer who published his first book, titled A Traumatic Revenge in 2011. It focusses on life on the street and how to survive amidst poverty. His second book titled The Violent Gestures of Life was published in 2014.