By Abigirl Phiri
Worth Noting:
- My poetry journey started when l was in grade 7, I wrote a Ndebele poem called Ngculaza meaning HIV/Aids and my teacher Mrs Mvura was very astounded by the gravity of my creativity.
- I am inspired by a writer called Ellen G White. She wrote over 20 life changing books which are still being sold even though she is long gone.
- As a poet the hardest thing is building a name. It’s hard to gain an audience if you have no name yet. Regardless of how good you are if you don’t have a name you won’t be recognized. Singers collaborate with established singers so as to build a name.
The fact stands Andile Sigodo is a poet on a mission to succeed. Having started poetry writing at a very tender age, he pledges to see himself on the top. This is the right attitude one must have if you have a point to prove. Closely related to this, Andile is a versatile poet since he sometimes writes in his mother tongue Ndebele. We are living in a world where one needs to carter for audiences who speak and understand different languages. Personally, l have worked with Andile on various projects. Consequently, he never fails to exude enthusiasm in tackling these various projects. Armed with determination that he has in spades, definitely he is guaranteed to succeed.
Please tell us your name and how your journey started in poetry?
My poetry journey started when l was in grade 7, I wrote a Ndebele poem called Ngculaza meaning HIV/Aids and my teacher Mrs Mvura was very astounded by the gravity of my creativity. My poem was read to each and every class and even sent to secondary classes. I also wrote a composition called Uhambo lwami lokuya e Melika (My journey to America). My teacher was convinced beyond reasonable doubt that I had really visited America but I had not. I only used my imagination to take me places that was in 2006.
Have you won any major accolades for yourself in poetry?
I won the best poem on Mothers day in 2018. It was a newspaper competition. I won a trophy in a Mashaba writing group based in South Africa.
Are you a published poet?
I have published
Emotions to ink. A poetry book.
Sand to diamonds poetry.
Cancers of marriage. A documentary book.
I have also featured in anthologies such as Echoes of Africa and also magazines, the likes of Wardrobe magazine.
Who is your inspiration?
I am inspired by a writer called Ellen G White. She wrote over 20 life changing books which are still being sold even though she is long gone.
So since naturally I am a reserved guy I thought that by writing I can inspire and change lives too by my work.
Where do you see yourself in the near future?
I see myself with an established media house that does poetry, songs, photos, videos, documentaries, movies, editing, publishing and printing. And I always imagine myself going as high as being the secretary of the president, writing his speeches. In the future, I would love to be an established writer, to be called professor Sigodo. Most of all I wish to change millions of lives. Give hope to the hopeless. Inspire the heartbroken and give strength to the weak.
What problems have you faced as a poet?
As a poet the hardest thing is building a name. It’s hard to gain an audience if you have no name yet. Regardless of how good you are if you don’t have a name you won’t be recognized. Singers collaborate with established singers so as to build a name. My first 3 books l wrote alone didn’t do so well out there because no one knows me. So I had to put a pause to solo writing and venture into magazines and anthologies. I needed a laptop and smart phone to do my research but my parents couldn’t afford one till l got to varsity. And my challenge is that l don’t present my poetry verbally, l only write so it made me lose a lot of opportunities.
What is one of your best poetry pieces?
My Honeycomb
In my unfathomable emotional quagmire
Life brought before my eyes an angel l did admire
Someone who loved me and never did tire
Someone whose charming appearance
Made my vocal cavity fail to ooze any utterance
Beauty so inexplicable such that it deems to be intimidation
Ink bleeding to paper in poetry I found consolation
I did find very valuable treasure
I find myself sinking deep in her goodness and ineffable pleasure
My umbrella in summer heat
My angel who makes the house of my joy so neat
A glass of fresh water in a desert of loneliness
Am wrapped in a delirium of unquantifiable joy
I so value you more than my favorite toy
Loved you dedicatedly since l was a mere boy
My queen you changed my attitude
And gave me immense gratitude
Now l face life boldly and face trials with fortitude
I can’t explain the happiness poured by your presence in my life
All I so desire is to ever have you as my beloved wife
I feel I owe you a ring of pure gold
Signifying that I will love you till am old
You have made my life so sweet
All you are to me is a sweet honeycomb
Kindly share your social media handles
On social media I use mostly What Sapp and Facebook
What Sapp
+263-775041951
+263-718289086
Facebook: Andile Sigodo (nizah)
Email: andysigodo15@gmail.com
Any word of advice to other individuals who would want to venture into poetry
If you wish to venture into poetry make sure you have talent and passion, those 2 can take you to greater heights.
Always aim for the top. The bottom is overcrowded. Get into every writing opportunity you come across and give it your best. By winning you build a name. Join in anthologies with established writers it gives you a chance to be known out there. Even when you write solo you are already known out there. Know that gain comes after pain, sweat comes after sweat. Don’t coil but toil. The way up should be hard. If you find it easy its either you are going nowhere or going down. In life never give up. Know that gold is purified by fire and that for a woman to hold a baby she first has to endure labour pains. Before it rains it has to be very hot. Lastly if you are good at something never do it for free.
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