Radical Honesty in Black Poetry: Makhafula Vilakazi Unveiling Truths & Transforming Narratives

In recent years, spoken word poetry has experienced a resurgence, becoming a powerful mode of expression and storytelling within the Black community. Makhafula Vilakazi is an inspiring reference to spoken word poetry in South Africa. Drawing inspiration from the history and reality of Black South Africans, the poet infuses his verses with a rhythmic vitality that mirrors the heartbeat of Black history. Vilakazi’s poetry, including ‘Ulele’, ‘Words’, and ‘Tonight’, is protest literature of the highest caliber, addressing intergenerational trauma and real-life experiences affecting Blacks.

Who is Makhafula Vilakazi?

Born Matodzi Ramashia in Chiawelo, Soweto, Makhafula Vilakazi is a prolific poet who uses the art of music and poetry to unveil and address social injustices in the black community. The history and reality of Black South Africans is where he draws most inspiration from. He has created a brand of poetry that sees him delivering his poems/lyrics in Tsotsitaal (township slang). Vilakazi has also created a name for himself by practicing radical honesty in his poetry. He doesn’t shy away from addressing issues that most people shy away from.

Makhafula Vilakazi’s Work: Redefining the Black Person’s Identity

In 2014, Makhafula Vilakazi released his highly regarded album titled “I Am Not Going Back To The Township”. Samthing Soweto, Impande Core, and Poet Khanyi Magubane are featured on the album. The album aims to redefine the black person’s identity by scrutinizing history and the effects of historical events on Black Africans.

‘Concerning Blacks’ is another one of his albums, released in April 2021, relaying a deep concern with black living. It’s more than just a concern for black people, but a concern with blackness itself. Concerning Blacks exposes the voids in discussions about colonization, democracy, and apartheid, revealing the festering wounds covered up by World Cup wins and euphoric amnesia. It tells the unspoken truths between the untrue utterances that came with democracy. The state concerning blacks in the new republic of old habits is meek, quiet, and dormant, but they must be reminded that a time must come when they change matters concerning blacks, as they are constantly reminded of their wretched existence.

Poetry meets real-life experiences

Vilakazi’s monologues are poetic pieces that have an allure for the minute details of everyday life. These poems are protest literature of the highest caliber because of the poetry found in everyday life. Vilakazi’s ‘Ulele’, ‘Words’, and ‘Tonight’ are some of the work that form part of Concerning Blacks.

Through his poetry, Vilakazi further navigates inter-generational trauma within his verses, addressing the lingering impact of historical injustices on the Black community. He has proven that history and the NOW, are two things that can never be separated, as he speaks about real-life experiences affecting Blacks currently, while referring to the history of Black South Africans.

 Radical Honesty: Addressing Black History

In the landscape of poetic expression, some black poets, such as Makhafula wield the transformative power of radical honesty to delve into the depths of Black history. Makhafula Vilakazi fearlessly employs poetry as a vehicle for truth-telling, unraveling the intricacies of Black history with unapologetic sincerity and raw emotion. In the realm of black poetry, radical honesty emerges as a potent force, unveiling the raw and unfiltered truths of Black experiences throughout history. The greatest power of radical honesty in poetry is its ability to establish a foundation of authenticity. It plays an important role in breaking through societal expectations and revealing authentic narratives.

Vilakazi’s commitment to radical honesty in expressing Black history transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling. Through his verses, he forges a path towards a more nuanced and truthful understanding of the complexities inherent in Black history, fostering a collective journey towards justice, healing, and acknowledgment.

Author/Research Writer

Lebogang Selekane