Shabiso Vili Explores the Intersection of Poetry, Technology, and African Narratives
SOUTH AFRICA (October 21, 2025) – Words possess formidable power, and when woven together, they can inspire, uplift, and provoke a spectrum of emotions. Shabiso Vili, an acclaimed slam poet, shared insights into his journey and the opportunities that have emerged through his collaboration with the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS).
Hailing from Tsomo in the Eastern Cape, Shabiso Vili wears numerous hats—poet, performer, producer, and visionary. As a World Poetry Slam Champion and a recognized figure on the Mail & Guardian’s Young South African Top 200 list in 2022, he is reshaping the poetry landscape both on stage and online. As the founder and executive creative director of Siziintsomi Creations, he is cultivating a creative incubator where art, innovation, and community converge. His ambition is to push boundaries, merging poetry with technology to transform how stories are shared globally.
In our conversation, Shabiso reflected on his early affinity for poetry. He explained that his childhood, marked by awkwardness, prompted him to express the tumult of thoughts swirling in his mind. This led him to keep a diary, which not only served as a reservoir of inspiration for his poetry but also played a crucial role in enhancing his mental well-being.
His words quickly evolved into tools for activism. Initially, he wielded them unconsciously, but he later embraced the power of his voice, channeling it into a force that resonated with his experiences and beliefs. A pivotal piece, “Forget How To Die,” earned him the victory at the 2022 World Poetry Slam Championship, underscoring the remarkable talent emanating from South Africa.
Shabiso’s ambition to be among the world’s greatest poets has been a goal he meticulously detailed on his annual list for the past decade. With this recent acclaim, he feels validated in his pursuit of a career as a professional spoken word artist from South Africa—an achievement that opens new avenues not only for himself but also for his peers in the South African arts community.
Collaboration lies at the heart of artistic expression, and for Shabiso, his partnership with IFAS has been profoundly empowering. He attended IFAS’s 30th anniversary event, “From cooperation to co-creation: 30 years of French cultural partnership in South Africa,” where he presented a specially crafted poem that encapsulated the legacy of French-South African cultural ties. This poem was later recorded and shared digitally to reach a broader audience.
Since 2019, his collaboration with IFAS has opened new creative horizons. Shabiso expressed gratitude for the support he received, noting that regardless of how innovative or unconventional his ideas, IFAS has continually backed him. He emphasized the importance of not just looking back at the past 30 years but also envisioning the future of artistic expression and cultural exchange.
His projects have not only expanded his artistic repertoire but have also provided a platform for other artists to share their narratives. Shabiso believes in the transformative power of imagination, especially for marginalized communities whose stories have often been overlooked. He highlighted the thrilling potential of leveraging new technologies to reimagine these narratives.
Shabiso’s exhibition, “Kwaska Skela,” exemplifies this fusion of spoken word and visuals. This immersive projection mapping installation, created in collaboration with Inka Kenjia, utilized AI, animation, and poetry to explore ancient and contemporary origin stories, creating a rich, multi-dimensional storytelling experience.
In our dialogue, he shared his vision of establishing a space for digital storytelling that reveres ancestral myths. For Shabiso, poetry emerges as a divine answer, situating individuals within a broader narrative landscape. He noted how his work in the digital realm has evolved dramatically over the past six years, allowing for innovative expressions like augmented reality and even creating a short film for planetarium projections.
Looking ahead, Shabiso encourages aspiring poets to embrace collaboration. He emphasized the importance of mentorship and partnership, stressing that success often lies in shared experiences and collective learning. He also underscored the necessity of understanding the mechanics of funding and grants, as significant financial backing can provide unparalleled opportunities for creative ventures.
With the world increasingly eager to hear African stories, Shabiso urges storytellers to step forward without hesitation. He believes there has never been a better time to share your narrative, as there is an audience ready to listen.
This interview is part of a special collaboration between the French embassies in South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi, alongside IFAS, to commemorate 30 years of cultural co-creation. Since its establishment in 1995, IFAS has fostered artistic exchanges across various disciplines, celebrating 30 years of connection, creativity, and shared accomplishments.
