Andreattah Chuma Interview

Tell us briefly about yourself. (Childhood days, where you schooled and family)

I’m from Jakalas No 1, born and raised in Gaborone. I got fascinated by computers when I was in high school(GSS).I taught myself how to use one during lunch hour at the Computer room. Followed through with the passion at Department of Information Technology were I served my Tirelo Sechaba. Then I pursued BSc(with specialisation in Information Technology and Computer Science) at UNISA. I discovered I was a poet during the last years of my degree. I am a 32 year old woman who is still discovering who she is. Constantly being amazed as she discovers the potential God placed inside her.

You’re an AMAZING poet. Please tell us more about your work

Thank you! I have been a poet since 2005.I write poetry, I perform it, I film it and I have published in some anthologies. I released a debut poetry album three years ago called “1981 Was A Good Year”.

What else do you do?

I am an IT Auditor at a Securities Settlement financial group. I have been living in Brussels since the beginning of 2012.

What started you writing poetry?

It wasn’t a deliberate act. I wasn’t a fan of poetry before I became a poet. I don’t think I was exposed to enough good poetry to have interest in the art form. I wasn’t one of those teens who spent their evenings writing poetry. It is the result of my release in a journal.

Are there any themes which particularly attract you as a poet, things that you write a lot about?

I write what I feel. Emotions are complex so I never know what my next poem will be. I tend to gravitate towards love these days.I feel the world needs truckloads of it.

Is there anything else you would rather have done than being a poet?

No, I believe poetry chose me not the other way around.

What does your typical day look like?

My 9-5 as Internal Auditor consists of holding meetings with key stakeholders of an area I’m auditing. Depending where I am in the audit process, I could be at my desk most of the time or back to back meetings with management. I also have divisional commitments and I represent Internal Audit at the company’s Fraud Forum. In the evenings I carve out some time for the poet and her dreams. Just recently added studying to my typical day.

Do you have any mentors or role models?

I don’t have a mentor, I hope I will have one someday.

What are you currently reading?

The Other Hand by Chris Cleave.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?

I am currently studying to be a Certified Internal Auditor. I am already a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). I am currently upskilling for the future. I would like to do a certification in Combating Financial Crime then a masters in International Business. I am also learning a lot in the capital of the EU. I would like to have sustainable giving-back projects. For my art, I want to do incredible things that inspire others to stop resigning their passions. I would love to have a family. Someone by my side to witness this life with me, be a friend, guide me and build with. Children remind me what life is when it’s honest. Only God knows how it all works out in his plan for my life and I trust His way. Some dreams I can’t share.

If you could pass along only one piece of advice to poets, what would it be?

Trust your own creative voice but don’t believe it if it tells you to grow a big a head. It is a trap.

Is there anything you’d like to say to your fans and young people in Botswana?

Work hard. Read.Travel at a budget you can afford (backpack if you must).Dream impossible dreams. Implement, don’t sit on the clouds with incredible ideas. Do something that will change the life of someone else.Trust God.

How can people contact you?

facebook “Drea” or [email protected]