Poet Damn_Etu to publish anthology

Adolf Kaure SWAKOPMUND Swakopmund-raised poet Frieda Mukufa (26), who goes by the stage name Damn_Etu, is working on her first poetry anthology. Although it has no title yet, the collection will celebrate black women. “I believe black women are often put in a box where they are limited to certain feelings and emotions. When they express how sad something has made them, they are deemed mad or primitive.” Damn_Etu said she wants to write something women can relate to, and added that the anthology will comprise of about 50 poems. While she hasn't finished writing all the pieces yet, the poet said she's 'almost there'.“It is not as easy as one would think. I'm currently going through writer's block and it's frustrating.” Putting loss into words She said the most sentimental piece of the collection is a letter she wrote to her best friend, Paulina Nduukiva Jeffrou Shikongo, who died in 2014. “I say this because only six years later was I able to put the loss into words.”The wordsmith started writing poetry in 2008 after stumbling upon an anthology. She loved the pieces so much because she was going through a rough patch at the time, she said. “I also kept a diary then, so it was easy for me to start writing work of my own. I was literally writing while copying the style I saw in the anthology, and that's how my journey began. I haven't stopped yet.” Namibian poetry sceneHer favourite poets include Franklin Newman, Lafewa, iRise and Ashwyn Mberi, and she said poetry in Namibia is growing as there are many talented writers who add value to the art. “The poetry industry is booming and it is definitely going in the right direction. I would like it if mentoring of poets was a thing. That way we're being honest with them and it will help improve their art.”When asked about her favourite poetry moment, Damn_Etu mentioned performing at the North West University in South Africa earlier this year. “Although virtual, it was beautiful.” She has also performed at Spoken Word Namibia, One Mic Namibia and Breeze of Words, amongst other platforms. adolf@erongo.com.na

Poet Damn_Etu to publish anthology

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-04

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Poet Damn_Etu to publish anthology

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-04

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