The poetry collective here may not be the biggest in the world but the amount of respect each audience member shows every performer is unmatched, whether it’s the reigning slam champ or a performance virgin. Getting into the game is easy; all you need is your work and a willingness to learn.
The open mic gigs spawn all over the city and anyone is welcome to share their creativity. My first ever performance took place at InZync in front of 350 people cheering me on, after I completed my piece a warm and welcoming applause erupted from the stands.
Every Thursday there is an open mic in 'Observatory' and every second Wednesday there is a very special event called ‘Miss Kiki Presents’ which hosts all sorts of performers not only poets. Once a month the monster that is InZync reigns down on Kayamandi Stellenbosch, which includes some of the best in the business, followed by an open mic session where new talent is constantly being birthed.
On the other side of the highway we have the 'Lingua Franca' movement; they are a family of poets who will welcome in any enthusiastic performer as one of their own. Their work has included sold out theatre shows: where they are renowned for mixing African styled music with poetry; to performing in front of our government and members of parliament.