Poetry in Music, Flex Of He & I, The marriage two great arts

Last Thursday night I was invited by Phomolo Sekamotho (Flex) to a live recording for V1 live featuring him and his band Flex of He & I, at the Academy of Sound Engineering at SABC.  I previously wrote this article  after listening to his In Between the Lines EP (free for download).

I have never encountered poetry in this unique format before.  Flex calls it “Poetry’s Journey Through a Maze of Music” It is not rap, it is performance poetry at the highest level.  Flex recites his poetry with backing from his band, all artists in their own right.  Tumisang Shika on keyboards has a broad smile which radiates the joy of immersion in his art.  Vicks the drummer focused on synchronizing your heart with the beat of his drum.  Junior on bass guitar, cool as a rock star.  Musarist on guitar in dark shades which cannot hide his abundant spirit.  Then Flex with his words which cut deep and wash over you.  I wanted to hold onto every phrase, but you cannot capture winged words.  The haunting vocals of Mpotseng Sehume underline the poetry in threads of harmony.

Remember Flex of He & I, one day they deserve to have their names in lights.  They should be performing to packed audiences at home, in London and New York.  They are gifted, passionate and in a class of their own.  You can find Flex of He & I on Facebook, see when they have a gig and you will not regret going.