the sound of war
cascades to sink your peace

to ambush your dreams
& hopes

bombing
the future of your children

rebel militants
displacing your freedom

o, congo
congo
congo

baptise yourself
in showers
of hope

cleanse the hills & valleys
that house the countless bones
of your martyrs

the forgotten sons
& daughters of the sun

recite your agony
& adversity
to free yourself from the dark

…

Zama Madinana is a South African poet, based in Johannesburg. His work has appeared in The Shallow Tales Review, East Jasmine Review, Olney, Poetry Potion, Voices of Africa and other literary publications. Zama’s work focuses mainly on love, politics and social issues. In 2021, he won the third prize of the Sol Plaatje EU Poetry Award. He was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2022. His full-length poetry collection, ‘94 was published in June 2023. In addition to regular performances and readings in Johannesburg and across South Africa, he has performed his poetry in various countries including Botswana, Mozambique, and Lesotho.