The 20-year-old Esaya from the Matshelapad informal settlement goes by the name TK the Poet. He explained that he earned the nickname the ‘travel kid’ while still in school, so he kept it at TK
Poetry has always been an expression of the way he deals with life. As a young boy he showed his work to a friend and she suggested he start recording his poems.Poetry has always been an expression of the w
ay he deals with life. As a young boy he showed his work to a friend and she suggested he start recording his poems.
“I sold snacks at school and fixed computers to save up and build my own recording studio,” he said, proudly adding that he built his computer from scratch. Nothing stood in this young man’s way, and shortly after recording his first poem he created his page, aptly named TK the Poet. These days he uses his poetry to inspire others, address the issues the youth in his area face every day, educate and create awareness. He recently wrote a poem about a baby that was born to a very young mother in the community – focusing on teenage pregnancy. Last year he started writing songs. He explained that he did not always have the community’s support and he had even been told that he won’t get anywhere in life. But Esaya is determined and said he would continue following his dreams. So far he has written 11 songs and 20 poems, but his proudest achievement is the new album he is releasing with another singer from the community, the 18-year-old Khamogelo Mafora, or Mzawest as he is known. The album features love songs the pair had written, and even one of TK’s poems. He entered the Gama Awards and fans can vote for him between July 1 and September 31 by sending the number 1032 via SMS to 47439. SMSes cost R3 each. When he is not making magic in his studio, Esaya coaches U/13 boys and girls soccer, and said coaching brings him happiness. You can check out Esaya’s work on Facebook, his YouTube channel @ TK the poet, Instagram @ Esaya TK Hlongwane, or send him a WhatsApp on 081 098 6633.
