/ 1 September 2006

Straight talker

Slam poetry used to have an element of hipness about it, but today I would rather be bludgeoned with a blunt object than be trapped in a crowded, dimly lit room being forced to clap to the garbage coming out of the microphone. But then there’s Odidi Mfenyana’s Rhythms Down My Spine — a one-man nu-cabaret that is currently doing the rounds in Cape Town.

I was expecting an angry artist on stage, alienating the white crowd with verses no one could comprehend, but my illusion was shattered as soon as 25-year-old Mfenyana trucked his voice on stage. In an escape from your classical slam poetry sessions he presents a mix of storytelling, stand-up comedy, music and, of course, poetry.

‘My show is based on the tradition of grandparents and village people gathered around a fireplace to listen to music and stories. The best storytellers and singers always entertained,” said Mfenyana.

Things are a bit odd at first, but after his first song there are a few hilarious tales and the mood relaxes.

This is the first time Mfenyana has unleashed his solo talent on the public. Previously he appeared for corporate events only, but is no stranger to performance and has been in professional shows such as Queers by Candlelight and Word of Mouth.

Rhythms Down My Spine has some soulful stuff as well as tunes influenced by Grace Jones, Nina Simone and our own Brenda Fassie. The poetry and anecdotes highlight the oddities of South African culture that most of us are unaware of.

This son of a preacher from Nyanga East township ‘grew up in different worlds. I stayed in a township but went to a private school for a while. When I later went to public schools I was faced with what many black kids confront today: too white to be black and too black to be white. I have always been the duck out of water and that helps me to see things as an insider and also as a mere observer.”

Mfenyana hopes to take his one-man show to the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown later this year.

Catch Odidi Mfenyana on March 21 at LB’s on Long Street in Cape Town