Pheello Mosesi
On June 29, Nobo Hub came alive with the first session of Ha e ART.e, hosting 23 creative acts that showcased their talents.
The event was spearheaded by poet, Thabo “Mora-Mobu” Morebole, who shared the vision behind the initiative with Newsday in an interview.
“Ha e ART.e is a concept built around the urge to see the longevity of poetry and other conscious art forms through collaborations, hence we say ‘art e ate’,” explained Mora-Mobu, who is both the creator and organiser of the event.
Speaking from a poet’s perspective, Mora-Mobu emphasized, “We need more voices recognised in the poetry space, which is why we opted for an open mic format to open the industry and create space that accommodates both well-established and up-and-coming performers.”
The Ha e ART.e sessions differ from Mora-Mobu’s traditional poetry sessions as they are hosted indoors, providing a more intimate atmosphere, compared to the latter’s open-air outdoor venues.
The event was co-organized by Bonono Merchants’ Chere Mongangane and sponsored by Khojay Music Productions, Caritus Graphics, Skahftin, and Observet Images, making it a comprehensive and collaborative art-infused project.
“It was what we had imagined, of course with a few hiccups, but overall it was great,” said Mora-Mobu, reflecting on the experience of attending the first episode of the event.
The three-hour event at Nobo Hub featured 18 poets, 3 musicians, and 2 rappers, who entertained and mesmerized the audience. Mora-Mobu revealed that it took three months of conceptualization to turn the idea into reality.
Beyond the event, there are plans to turn Ha e ART.e into a clothing line, which is still in the pipeline. Going forward, the goal is to make Nobo Hub a spot for a monthly intimate gathering.