Book Review
THEY PASSED THIS WAY AND TOUCHED OUR LIVES: African Morning Star Publication
AUTHOR: Don Mattera
REVIEWED BY: Ayanda Billie
Don Mattera, known as Bra Don, is one of the celebrated writers in the South of Africa, with several prestigious literary awards as well as numerous humanitarian citations to his name.
Bra Don’s poetry anthology of 58 poems is a tribute, a dedication to sons and daughters of the soil, to artists, musicians and freedom fighters, to those who never kept quiet in tumultuous times when voices of reason were needed.
The power of his language is as pure as the laughter of a child. He gives a picture to look at and to touch without losing you in the telling. He brings voices to your heart that never fade. Bra Don speaks to Jeff Masemola, Chris Hani and Muntu ka Myeza, remembering their undying spirits.
The deep source of his poetry is his past of Sophiatown and his diverse lineage and a harsh life under darkness. For !XA, great grandmother of Bra Don and her husband, Rawana-Rawana, the football fans who died in the Ellis Park Stadium stampede and to Bob Marley, Bra Don strives to reflect universal graceness. “This song, this fragment of a nation rejoicing This eulogy of love for a revered Matriarch Is for you, Miriam Makeba Voice of Afrika’s vision and its deepest dreams. “‘
They passed this way and touched our livesâ€, reminded me of an Azanian Love song, with lines that carry spirituality that take us beyond our mind remembering the past, making sense of today and finding our path.
Eulogy for Busi Mhlongo
Listen to sis Busi erupt into a torrent of songHer sultry voice weaves a volcano of groovy tunesTaking maskandi to greater height and fusing a myriad ofSoul-nourishing melodies, giving it a crossover appealShe lets a free ride in the waves of her textured voice
Leaving us music-obsessed souls mesmerized with herHeart-wrecking soundYour music sis Busi digs floods of tears spilling down my cheeksWhen I play your music so intoxicating and enriched with clear vibrating vocalsI feel so near to the creator of mankind
Princess of Africa!She sings with every part of her beingAnd leaves her audience in smiles and tears
Queen of the dance floorYour enchanting rendition has us music-loving fanaticsResponding with gustoSis Busi, your music has brought synergy to the long-lost connection with my rootsYour energetic dance routine has us staunch revellers in thunderous applauseSwaying our hips, nodding our heads in appreciationWith a bravadoEchoingMayibuye i Africa!
Yingwani Mashaba
I'm finally free!
After years cramped in aWorld Full of limitationsI am finally free To ventureInto the outside worldTo discover The Splendour AndOpportunitiesThat LongHave been awaiting me, To meet good peopleAnd make friendships.
Yingwani Mashaba
Source
Numsa News
