Toni Stuart - poet

Toni is a poet, writer and journalist. She is currently a reporter/sub-editor at Cape Community Newspapers. In July, with storyteller Nicole le Roux she launches a new youth storytelling mentorship organisation called I Am Somebody! Toni started writing poetry at 15, and it was her love for writing that led to a career in journalism. In 2003, she started performing poetry with Dala Flat Music and in 2004, with the record label, held 38 Special words and music: a monthly event of poetry and music collaboration. For three years she was part of the And Word Was Woman Ensemble: a performance poetry group which featured at events such as Cape Town Book Festival, Woman’s Parliament and Cape Town Festival among others. She has performed at numerous events in the city and overseas while travelling. Last year she ran an after-school programme at Hout Bay High School, using poetry and other art forms as a way of helping youth to express themselves and discover who they are and tell their own stories. ARTIST PIC: Nadine Christians