Lesego Rampolokeng

RAMPOLOKENG, Lesego (1965-). Author, playwright, "dub poet" and performance poet.

Biography
Born on 7 July 1965 in Orlando West, Soweto, Johannesburg. Studied law at the University of the North.

Career
Lesego Rampolokeng came to prominence in the 1980s, a very turbulent time in South Africa. His poetry often criticises the establishment. His first instalment of poetry was Horns for Hondo (1991) and this was followed by End Beginnings (1993). He collaborates with musicians and has performed in many countries, with musicians such as Julian Bahula, Soulemane Toure, Louis Mhlanga and Gunther Sommer. He is directly influenced by the writings of Frantz Fanon and he comes from the Black Consciousness era of the 1970s and 1980s. Horns for Hondo (1991, COSAW) launched his writing career. He is influenced by Matsemela Manaka, Maishe Maponya and Ingoapele Madingoane.

Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance
His first play Fanon’s Children (2001) was directly influenced by the works of Frantz Fanon. His poetry was incorporated into the Handspring Puppet Company production of Faustus in Africa.

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