Poetry in Johannesburg: Two Magical Nights at Mamakashaka and Friends
Published on: 30 October 2025
Johannesburg's poetry scene is alive and thriving, and we've had the incredible privilege of experiencing it in one of the city's most creative spaces. Over two unforgettable nights, Writer's Bloc brought spoken word, music, and community to Mamakashaka and Friends in Braamfontein. This is a venue that perfectly embodies the spirit of artistic expression in Johannesburg.
Poetry in Johannesburg: A Thriving Creative Community
If you're searching for poetry in Johannesburg, you'll find a vibrant community of voices ready to share their stories. From emerging poets to seasoned performers, the city's spoken word scene continues to grow, bringing together artists from all corners of Johannesburg and beyond. These two nights at Mamakashaka showcased exactly why Johannesburg has become a hub for poetry and creative expression in South Africa.
The energy in the room was electric. Poets, writers, and musicians traveled from across Johannesburg and greater South Africa to be part of these special evenings. Each performance carried its own weight, there were stories of love, loss, triumph, and transformation filled the space, reminding us why we do this work and why poetry matters.
Mamakashaka and Friends: Where Creativity Shines
Mamakashaka and Friends isn't just a venue, just like our home Coca Lounge, it's a sanctuary for artists. Nestled in the heart of Braamfontein, this space has become known for championing creativity and giving artists room to breathe, perform, and connect. The intimate setting allowed every word, every note, and every emotion to resonate deeply with the audience.
From the moment you walk through the doors, you feel the warmth and openness that makes Mamakashaka special. It's the kind of place where strangers become friends, where vulnerability is met with compassion, and where art is celebrated in all its forms. We couldn't have asked for a better home for these two poetry nights in Johannesburg.
Thank You to Our Poets, Writers, and Musicians
To every poet who stepped onto the stage, thank you. Your courage to share your truth, your willingness to be vulnerable, and your artistry made these nights truly unforgettable. Whether it was your first time performing or you're a seasoned voice in Johannesburg's poetry scene, you brought magic to the room.
To the musicians who joined us, your melodies added depth and emotion to the evening. The way music and poetry intertwined created moments that will stay with us for a long time. And to the writers who came to support, listen, and absorb, your presence completes the circle. This community thrives because of all of you.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Everyone Who Participated
These two events wouldn't have been possible without the collective effort of everyone involved. From the poets who bravely shared their work to the audience members who listened with open hearts, each person played a vital role in creating the atmosphere that makes our poetry nights in Johannesburg so special.
We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to Mamakashaka and Friends for hosting us and for being a champion of the arts in Braamfontein. Your space allows creativity to shine, and we're honored to have been part of it.
We'll Be Back at Mamakashaka in 2025
The good news? This isn't goodbye. We're excited to announce that Writer's Bloc will be returning to Mamakashaka and Friends next year. Dates are still to be confirmed, but we can't wait to bring more poetry, music, and community to this incredible venue in Johannesburg.
If you missed these two nights, don't worry—there will be more opportunities to experience the magic of live poetry in Johannesburg. Keep an eye on our social media and events page for updates on our return to Mamakashaka.
Two More Poetry Nights This Year at Coca Lounge
Before the year ends, we still have two more poetry nights lined up at our home venue, Coca Lounge in Melville. These evenings are always filled with warmth, creativity, and connection. A combination of everything that makes the Johannesburg poetry scene so special.
Whether you're a poet ready to share your work, a musician looking to collaborate, or someone who simply loves experiencing live spoken word, we'd love to see you there. To sign up and secure your spot, head over to our Events Page.
We're excited to close out the year with more poetry, more voices, and more moments of connection. Come join us and be part of Johannesburg's thriving poetry community.
Join the Poetry Movement in Johannesburg
If you're passionate about poetry, spoken word, or simply being part of a creative community in Johannesburg, we invite you to join us. Whether at Mamakashaka and Friends, Coca Lounge, or future venues across the city, there's always room for your voice.
Poetry in Johannesburg is more than just words on a stage. It's about healing, connection, and celebrating the stories that make us human. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We can't wait to see what the future holds.
See you at the next poetry night in Johannesburg!