In Conversation With: Nomonde Sky

Nomonde Sky is a 25-year-old South African poet and speaker from a township called Tembisa. A lover of peace, food and inspirational traveling.

Where did your passion for writing come from?

My passion for writing came from the need to tell a perfect story. My burning desire to let the narrative voice in my head have a sense of being. All this came after hearing how my role model and fellow poet Lebo Mashile took on the calling to become a poet.

How did you get into poetry/spoken word?

I got into spoken word first through rap battles at school, but those came from a place of anger and too much adrenaline. I decided to join the poetry club and that’s where I gained the courage to perform and write more.

What do you hope people will get from reading your work?

I hope from reading my poetry people will get that I’m just a human like any other. With the ability to speak about certain things that they too wish to speak about but don’t have the tongue. I write from an honest place, a pure and well-intended place of leaving myself bare for all those that may come across my pieces.

What opportunities have your poetry brought your way?

My poetry has taken me to radio stations, international shows, paid my rent, fed me and got me to do voice over work. It has awarded me the recognition from people who always resonate with my work.

Where do you get the inspiration for what you write?

I’m inspired by everyday life, all feelings and experiences. People and conversations.

Who are your favourite writers/poets?

I love the work of her_mentality as known to me by Instagram handle. I love the work of Bokang wrote and Hakeem Anderson respectfully.

What is the one thing that you can’t live without?

I can’t live without my faith.

Of all your work which one is your favourite?

That’s like asking which hand or leg is my favourite, lol. I love halfway love, a poem that best describes how we frequently settle for a love that’s not purely meant for us.

What have been the highs and lows of being a poet?

The highs are the doors of recognition the world opens for a being in media spaces. The lows are writers block and people projecting their visions over your calling simply to attain spotlight credibility when you’re just here to heal, calmly so.

What have you learned about yourself through your writing?

Wow, I’ve learnt just how vulnerable I am. I’m fragile yet strong, but most times I just wish to be cuddled and I hate being scolded lol. I’ve also learnt that I create with my words when not writing from memory but fantasy.