“Through the mist of the thorn life, we lay our restless spines in the hearts of humans”. As he speaks, his hands go up and sideways encaving his words, he allows your mind to see what he’s talking about. With his squeaky voice, you can feel the power of his words while he moves his head left and right on the stage. He looks at the crowd and stands at the edge of the stage and softly signs out with his middle name “Mebutle, mmina diphoofolo thobela”.
It is amazing how a talent can reach deep within through emotions. Tshepang Manthati is an African poet from Katlehong in Germiston. He looks shy in normal conversations but a gun when performing. Tshepang discovered his talent when he was doing his 8th grade at Palm Ridge combined school in 2012.
He decided to turn his tiny backroom into a studio, where he records his poetry demos. With the support of his uncle (Joe), Tshepang received a guitar as a gift for his sweet 16th birthday. “This was the best gift that I will always and forever appreciate. My uncle has always been there for me and I will thank him one day”
Growing up was a bit of a challenge because he lost both his parents in a car accident in 2010 and ever since then he has been living with his uncle. “My biggest wish is to visit my lovely mom in heaven and tell her that I forgave her for leaving me without saying goodbye”, tears fall after those words.
You can tell that he was too close with his mother. He was born on August 11th and his parents died on the 06th, “Honestly I hate august, the wind blows black clouds” he says.
He is currently doing his 3rd year in drama and film at the Tshwane University of Technology. “Darling, I am a man with many talents, I can act, sing and cook. I chose drama and film because I am in love with everything that concerns movies and drama. You become a different person when you’re on stage and I love that”. Tshepang hopes to become famous one day and take care of his uncle.
