Poet · Performer · Artistic Director

Mak Manaka

"If genius can be genetically connected and if it flows from generation to generation, then Mak Manaka is the epitome of it..."

Don Mattera

BOOKINGS BUY EBOOK

Poetry collections

Countries toured

2003

First collection

Rhodes University

Live Experience

Mak Manaka delivers a refined live experience combining poetry, voice, storytelling, artistic direction and a three-piece live band format for rooms that need emotional force, cultural texture and a memorable centrepiece.

Performance

15-minute signature performance

A focused poetic opening, interlude or closing moment.

Featured set

30-minute live set

A fuller poetry and voice performance for a featured programme slot.

Curated

45-minute live experience

A shaped performance with optional three-piece band support.

Best suited to

Awards evenings, brand launches, conferences, festivals, cultural programmes, intimate private events and year-end rooms that need more than background entertainment.

Store

Coming soon, is the online store to purchase your favourite Mak Manaka collection in eBook format.

2003

If Only

Original collection · Ebook

Edited by Don Mattera.

2009

In Time

Original collection · Ebook

Edited by Andrew Miller.

2016

Flowers Of A Broken Smile

Original collection · Ebook

An extended riff on love, life and the feminine.

Cape Times review JRB review

2018

Oncoming Traffic

Original collection · Ebook

Edited by Allan Horwitz.

2024

Blomme vir ’n Gebroke Glimlag

Afrikaans translation · Ebook

Translated collection as part of the Translating the Protea Project.

2024

Matsoba a Myemelo ye e Robegeleng

Sesotho saLebowa translation · Ebook

Translated collection as part of the Translating the Protea Project.

2024

Uncumo Lweentyatyambo Ezibunileyo

IsiXhosa translation · Ebook

Translated collection as part of the Translating the Protea Project.

Projects

Book signing

Projects are the full life of the work, on the page/stage and beyond.

Commercial / Voice-over

FNB Stadium: Where History Happens

Watch on Vimeo ->

Commercial

Promo for Business Connexion

Watch on YouTube ->

Video

Windhoek - Mak Manaka

Watch on YouTube ->

About

Mak Manaka performing under red stage light

Maakomele R. Manaka is a Soweto born poet, performer, writer, actor, voice artist, producer, cultural worker and artistic director.

And through his not-for-profit company Buwa Fela Research Project, Manaka pours back into society through his creative, reading, listening and writing programme for young people, using poetry as a tool for self-esteem, and curates projects that mentor and employ poets to showcase their skills aside from writing, creating a value chain within the poetry sector.

His work sits between page, stage, voice, memory and public culture.

"
He comes from a dynasty of talented, creative and gifted people - Nomsa and Matsemela.

Don Mattera

Mak Manaka is fresh, candid and innovative.

Sibongile Khumalo

"
Some of his poems have been translated into Italian and German, and have appeared in Mail & Guardian, New Coin, Botsotso, Kotaz, The Chronic and Poetry Potion.

In print