Poetry is an important cosmos that soothes the soul. As a gender and policy enthusiast and a lover of poetry at the same time I find myself fascinated with aesthetics of poetry which have a link with feminist activism.
This is also particularly relevant in the context of us commemorating women’s History month.
Bradley Nsukuzokuduma Moyo is one such poet who has been using poetry as a mode of advocacy for the many salient issues that he addresses in the different themes.
He uses the moniker “Word-Pill” in his choice of words as a means of soothing and bringing healing particularly in a generation where mental health issues have taken a serious toll on both the youth and the elderly generation.
“I was given the name Bradley by my mother from her favourite soapie during her time, and then my grandmother named me after her favourite novel Ukuthunjwa kukaSukuzokuduma. That is how I became Bradley Nsukuzokuduma Moyo.
Bradley the Word Pill is a brand that is aimed at offering healing through words, under the notion; 'pouring the poetic balm to heal the world " hence the name Word Pill. I have three complete anthologies and two which I am still working on.
Therefore in full I have five anthologies," Moyo said.
One of his anthologies that I have had a fascination of reading is titled “the lady in yellow”.
The title already creates a picturesque imagination of the feminine mystique and aura.
When speaking to The Standard Style reporter, Moyo explained that: "Lady in yellow is a collection of poems that is centered on friendship, love, loss, mental health, identity and the journey to self-discovery.
"The relationships that I have around me influence my poetic thoughts. I for one believe that we are all stories that have impacts to anyone who takes time to read through us whether through interaction or encounter. This is the reality that influences my poetry approaches and the different themes that I address.”
The title of the anthology lady in yellow explores the vulnerable element together with the resilient element of a work particularly the activities of women in our African context.
It speaks of the ability of the women to pick themselves from grass to grace and women taking the semiotics of a collective, which is the society.
Moyo outlined how it was an anthology that celebrated women as friends mothers and sisters and also how it calls upon the working together of women and men as shown in the titular poem “lady in yellow.”
He also explained how other poems were not specifically directed to women only, but the themes were addressing and also affecting both men and women.
In analysing the anthology, I am taking into the aspect of how he embraces poetry as a powerful means of communication and expression in order to convey ideas, perspectives and experiences.
Poetry remains significant in different forms of activism, and artivism, particularly in raising awareness about gender inequalities, challenging stereotypes and the promotion of social change which is critically needed within our societies.
Prominent feminist poets and writers, such as Audre Lorde, Maya Angelou, Bell Hooks, and many others, have used their work to champion feminist causes. Their poetry has become a vital part of feminist literature and activism, helping to connect with a wide range of audiences and advocating for gender equality and social justice.
In explaining the gist of some of his poems, Moyo explained that the poem Lady in Yellow was more of a praise poem; an appreciation note to someone who had helped him heals when he was losing the meaning of life.
The poem was more of a thank you hug to that person for being there for him and believing in his potential, not just as a poet but as a person too.
He also further explained how the imagery used celebrated African beauty, self-consciousness and the art element that his friend carried or continues to carry.
She is a lady with dread locks, melanated skin and her photographic prowess creating the image of the lady in yellow.
“Dear Momma and Mother are a celebration to the women who have made sacrifices for me to be the man that I am today and the one that i am becoming .These two poems like lady in yellow are songs of praise.
"They are not specifically directed to my mother but also to my aunties, my primary school teacher, my Sabbath school teacher and my female friends. They also celebrate other mothers out there in the society especially single mothers," he explained.
It is important to note that the world around us carries a lot of stories which drive the poetic inspiration.
Empathy is also another critical ingredient which is needed in pushing towards poetry with healing particularly for the self and others along the way.
Bradley Moyo was also nominated for the Poetry Red Carpet Awards. With regard to his nomination he explained that: "The Poetry Red Carpet Awards nomination came as a hug from God that I am in the right path. I really did not anticipate being nominated for any awards but the universe gave me two nominations at once. As much as i did not grab any wins. It really meant a lot that my efforts did not go unnoticed and there is no better joy than that.”
With regard to the challenges faced in the poetry journey he explained the difficulties with regard to putting out his work so that it could reach the readers.
He explained how he wanted to see his work mature and impact lives hence the challenge of having his work published due to many expenses which cannot be met in an economically volatile environment.
One of the key strengths of poetry as a form of social commentary is its ability to convey complex ideas and emotions in a concise and evocative way.
There is need for poets to use figurative language, imagery, and other literary devices to bring their ideas to life and make them more relatable to readers and in the process bring forth healing and growth.
Raymond Millagre Langa is musician, poet, orator, independent researcher and founder of Indebo edutainment Trust. You can follow on Facebook @Millagre Ray Langa, on X you can follow on #Millagre Langa, email. [email protected] or [email protected]
