04 Feb 2019

Unlike many opportunists who join the poetry industry to make a quick buck, Edwin Moroka does it out of love, passion and commitment.

The Kanye-born lad, who goes by the stage-name Serurubele, is a traditional poet, radio personality and culture activist, who has taken his love for Setswana language to greater heights and has set himself apart from many, by being one of the few poets who deliver their craft in vernacular.

Growing up in a deeply cultured large extended family that resided at the lands, Moroka drew inspiration for poetry from his grandfather, who also had a knack for Setswana language. 

During ploughing seasons, his grandfather would line-up his cattle as he got them ready all the while, reciting Setswana poems to express pride and delight over his beasts.

Moroka became fascinated by the semantics of his grandfather’s recital of Setswana poetry and a seed was planted at that moment. 

He would later imitate him out of genuine interest with his grandfather’s assistance until he could hold it down on his own. 

But it was only when he started his primary school and all throughout junior secondary school that he and people around him realised he had potential to become a poet of note, as he used to recite Setswana poems during school activities such as prize giving ceremonies.

However, when he progressed to senior school, he decided to put his poetry talent on hold to focus on his studies up until college and it was only then that the traditional poet’s talent was reincarnated and he began taking it seriously.

He made appearances on radio and television programmes such as Dipina le Maboko, Tshetolo, Molemo wa kgang and Lentswe la Monana, to mention but a few, in promotion of the use of the local language and the revival of Setswana culture and traditions.

He also scored major hosting radio gigs on Duma FM such as Sefalana sa Ngwao and the children’s corner programme, which has made him a household name during the weekly morning show.

Infact, it was at Duma FM that Moroka earned his Serurubele stage-name after a remarkable piece of poetry he did for the radio station called Duma Serurubele and he has been a hit ever since.

With his talent and love for Setswana, Serurubele has collaborated with local schools such as Tshwaragano and Solomon Dihutso primary schools in Old Naledi and Mogoditshane respectively as well as Tsholofelong Youth Trust Centre to develop Setswana, cultural talent and moral values to inspire the upcoming generation.

When quizzed on what the highlight of his poetic career has been, Serurubele was quick to point out that he has had the opportunity to travel across Botswana and even outside the country’s borders through his poetry. 

“I have been fortunate enough to visit countries such as South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe to perform at different corporate events I was invited to, where I received immense love over my use of Setswana language in poetry. 

Those were memorable and magical experiences and the opportunity would not have been possible had it not been for my poetry,” he said.

Among his greatest achievements, Serurubele placed the Best Youth Promoting Culture and Heritage accolade he scooped during the 2017 Botswana Youth Awards at the top of his charts. 

He also mentioned working with great Setswana poetry groups such as Motlhaolosa Poetry Ensemble, Maruping Poetry group and Black African Poets as the highlight of his career.

Although the cultural activist appreciates poetry as a form of edutainment, he regrets that most youth who have flocked into the industry have somewhat turned poetry comical and left the educational part on the sidelines. ENDS