Writer: Tonderai Chiyindiko | Photographs: Supplied

After becoming only the second poet to win the coveted Standard Bank Young Artist Award (SBYA) award – the fiery Troubadour, consummate performer and now musical collaborator with heavyweights Siya Makuzeni and Shane Cooper – Modise Sekgothe has certainly had a year to remember!

 Following his well-received poetic-theatrical offering Gabo Legwala which was staged at the Market Theatre, Modise Sekgothe recently launched his latest offering in the form of an experimental spoken word and jazz album entitled THE ONE AND THE ALL at the Bioscope.

The fourteen track vinyl album references familiar themes in Sekgothe’s previous work from identity and belonging, spirituality and love, to what it means to be a man as well the contradictions of a ‘cosmetically transformed’ post-apartheid South Africa.

Perhaps what resonates with most about Sekgothe’s work is how he does not shy away from engaging with issues of masculinity and it’s much-debated toxic manifestations. Through his use of familiar references, he manages to bring piercing precision anchored in his unwavering political stance that does not attempt to simplify these complex issues.

Shane Cooper’s bellowing double bass and Siya Makuzeni’s haunting sound-creations (and dexterity with the trombone) add a layer to Sekgothe’s poetry which elevates his words beyond their literary meaning. The choice of working with these two virtuoso artists who are both at the apex of their jazz and musical careers is a masterstroke.

THE ONE AND THE ALL showcases Modise Sekgothe’s powerful wordsmithery and uncompromising take on all that finds itself in his way.

Here is a man and poet who seems to understand the moment and what the moment requires of him.