Rethabile Masilo

Rethabile Masilo, a poet and poetry columnist, was born in Lesotho, a mountainous kingdom in Southern Africa. Currently residing in France, he has carved out a significant place for himself in the literary world. Masilo was born in 1961 in Lesotho, a country rich in oral traditions and storytelling culture. His early life was marked by the political turmoil that characterized much of Southern Africa in the 20th century. This environment of resistance and resilience deeply influenced his worldview and later permeated his writing.

Masilo moved to the USA and then to France. Both countries provided fertile ground for his growth as a poet, allowing him to blend his African heritage with the literary culture of his new experiences. He has published several collections of poetry that have been well-received by critics and readers alike. His notable works include:

"Things That Are Silent" (2012): This debut collection established Rethabile as a powerful new voice in poetry. The poems delve into themes of memory and the unspoken aspects of life.

"Waslap" (2015): In this collection, Rethabile examines the intersection of personal and collective histories, weaving together narratives of displacement and belonging.

"Letter to Country" (2016): A heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and identity, this collection reflects on Rethabile's connection to Lesotho and the experiences of the diaspora.

"Qoaling" (2018): Named after a suburb of Maseru, Lesotho’s capital, this book is a journey through landscapes both physical and emotional, capturing the essence of home and exile.

In addition to his work as a poet, Masilo is a late-age journalist. He writes the popular "Poetry Corner" column for the Daily Maverick, a Cape Town-based newspaper. In this column, he reviews contemporary poetry, highlights poets, and offers insightful commentary on the state of poetry and current affairs in Africa and beyond.

Rethabile shares his life in France with his wife and two children. Despite the physical distance from his homeland, he maintains a strong connection to Lesotho through his writing and regular visits. Through his books and his "Poetry Corner" column, Masilo has found a voice in the world of poetry and journalism.