Thuthukani Ndlovu was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwean he is a poet, blogger, social activist, marketing intern and student, currently based in Bloemfontein – South Africa. He has published over 10 digital anthologies promoting poets from around the world, and is currently facilitating poetry events with the Vrystaat Literature Festival in Bloemfontein.
“The Women” Anthology, one of the digital books he published on International Women’s day in 2016 and only featured female poets – has reached over 1000 downloads. Thus far Thuthukani has performed in Bulawayo), Maseru, Bloemfontein and Johannesburg. He was an opening act at the Poets in Autumn Tour (April 2017), a Poetry Showcase which featured prominent international Gospel poets: Ezekiel Azonwu, Jannette…IKZ, Preston Perry and Jackie Hill Perry. He also recently started his own poetry show called “The Spoken Word of Elohim”. Most of Thuthukani’s poetry dwells on Social Activism, Love, Africa, Women emancipation and Gender based violence issues.
What made want to start blogging and how did Radioactivetuts come to be?
Well, I initially wanted to create a platform where I could share the projects I was working on, but then I realized that I could also use it as a platform to share and promote local artists (from fashion designers, poets and Hip Hop artists. etc). It’s quite challenging for most local artists to get on to mainstream media platforms, therefore the blog would serve as a first step for most of them to get exposure. It also became a space where upcoming artists would share with other established artists.
What do you hope people will take away from reading your blog?
I hope they will experience what Africa has to offer in terms of music, Fashion, Art and Literature. Africa is rich with talent, so I hope readers get inspired to spend and invest more on African products and Literature.
Describe your blogging routine.
Currently, my blog is under development (It’s still active, but we haven’t published any new articles yet because we’re planning on re-branding the website. At least 2 articles will be published per week. Publications will begin again in July.
How would you advise someone new to blogging or considering blogging?
I would say that “Motivation is the first step, but habit/commitment is what keeps you going”. A lot of people get motivated to start a blog, but then with time it becomes inactive because they no longer feel motivated. That being said, it’s always good to do a bit of research with regards to blogging and what other bloggers are up to, as well as how they manage to not only keep their blogs active, but also grow their readership/ following.
Do you have bloggers that you follow, if so who and why?
Yes, I do. I follow:
Sinawo Bukani https://sinawobukani.wordpress.com
Mugaby Patsi’s “Justified Ecstacy” https://justifiedecstasy.wordpress.com/
Addie Tee https://addietee.wordpress.com
Desmond https://desmond372.wordpress.com
Anastasia Ruth https://anastasiaruth.com/
These are just a few, but the list goes on.. These bloggers always have interesting, relevant. creative or entertaining stories, so I really enjoy reading and learning from them.
Would you say there are downsides to blogging, if so what are they?
Well, everyone blogs about what they want, so there will obviously be blogs that I disagree with or do not bother reading. Some blogs overate certain artists (to the point where one would question whether the blogger was paid to promote the artist to that extent), but that’s none of my business lol. We all have the freedom to blog about what we want (and I know they are people who probably also don’t like my blog, but then again, we can’t please everybody).
What does blogging mean to you?
Blogging means I can express my voice and other people’s voices to different audiences.
What opportunities has blogging brought your way?
Blogging has given me access to a lot of events, a chance to meet/ talk to several prominent people in the Arts and Literature industry. I’ve also received opportunities to contribute to other blogs and websites.
What/who do you treasure the most in life?
I treasure my relationship with God the most in my life.
Social Media
Twitter: @2tukani
Instagram: @2tukani
Blog
http://www.radioactivetuts.com/
