Draft:Bohlale ba Tau
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Bohlale ba Tau is the pen name of Bohlale Lerato Masera-Sibanda (born 14 October 1990, Boksburg, South Africa), a South African author, poet, music artist, and storyteller. She is best known for her poetic memoir I Am Water (2025), which combines poetry, AI-generated illustrations, and music to reflect on identity, healing, and personal growth.[1]
She is the Co-Founder and Editor of Ujamaa Live and serves as Secretary and Programme Manager at Shared Futures, contributing to initiatives that support African cultural expression, community development, and creative storytelling.[2][3]
Early life and education
[edit]Bohlale Lerato Masera-Sibanda was born in Boksburg, South Africa, though some records indicate 14 October 1991.[4] She spent her early childhood in the Eastern Cape before moving to Daveyton, and later to the Limpopo village of Devrede.
She attended Dendron Primary School, Inkanyezi Waldorf School, and Putfontien Primary School. For secondary education, she attended Dendron Secondary School and matriculated at Liberty Community School.[4]
Bohlale studied Marketing Communication at the University of Johannesburg and earned a National Certificate in Radio Production from the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (NEMISA).[4] She later enrolled at the University of South Africa to study International Relations but did not complete the program. She has also completed certifications in Project Management, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, and Mentorship and Coaching.[4]
Career
[edit]Bohlale ba Tau has been writing since childhood. In Grade 8, she composed a choral verse titled My Black Sister, which was performed at Dendron Secondary School and won several awards.[4]
Her debut book, I Am Water: A Poetic Memoir (2025), is a collection of 15 poems reflecting her personal journey through identity, healing, and self-discovery.[1] To bring her vision to life, she used AI technology to create illustrations and music accompanying the book.[1]
She has also released an album titled Bohlale ba Tau, featuring songs created using the AI platform Suno, and is developing a musical adaptation of her memoir, I Am Water: A Poetic Memoir.[5]
Beyond her creative work, she serves on the board of directors of Shared Futures as Secretary and Programme Manager,[2] and is Co-Founder and Editor of Ujamaa Live.[3]
Themes and style
[edit]Bohlale’s work blends poetry, music, and visual art to create immersive, reflective experiences. Her writing is grounded in lived experience, personal reflection, and ancestral wisdom. Recurring themes include:
- Sovereignty and freedom — celebrating personal and collective agency
- Love, loss, and trauma — reflecting on personal and intergenerational experiences
- Joy, grace, and hope — offering resilience and optimism
- Mindfulness and connection — emphasizing simplicity, presence, and intentional living
Her style is characterized by:
- Poetic and lyrical language
- Integration of multimedia elements, including AI-generated illustrations and music
- Minimalist and evocative storytelling
- Fusion of traditional African motifs with contemporary creative technologies
Recognition and impact
[edit]Although her work has not yet been widely profiled in mainstream media, Bohlale has received recognition for her academic achievements and her writing has been praised by peers for its authenticity, courage, and reflective depth.[1] Through her leadership roles at Shared Futures and Ujamaa Live, she contributes to initiatives that support emerging artists, cultural projects, and community development.[2][3]
Works
[edit]Books
[edit]- I Am Water: A Poetic Memoir (2025) – a collection of 15 poems on identity, healing, and self-discovery[1]
- Notes of Love and Wisdom – a private book created for her children, combining reflections and guidance[1]
Music
[edit]- Bohlale ba Tau – album featuring songs created using AI (Suno)[5]
- I Am Water – musical collection of poems from I Am Water: A Poetic Memoir[5]
Other creative work
[edit]- Lammas Africa – blog featuring poetry, essays, and writings on African identity, spirituality, and mindfulness[1]