One thing I learned about Clive right off the bat is that he’s a crazy talented poet and rapper! I’ve got a few more interview questions in here that are super interesting, but most importantly read one of his poems I attached at the bottom! Be ready to be inspired and mind blown friends.
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What are some of your passions and hobbies?:
I love music! Writing, spoken word, I love language, I love words! I also love adventure like going fishing and hunting.
How has poetry and songwriting impacted your life?
It’s helped me meet a lot of people with a drive, people who have become a motivation to me. I have also met people who help me to grow personally, they’re mentors through poetry to me. In a way song writing and poetry has also been my vice– it’s gotten me away from addiction to marijuana, like I use this addiction to stop the other! It’s also revealing a lot of pieces of my character to myself. You learn something new about yourself every time you write.
What’s it like being a poet/rapper in Swaziland?
It’s a tough industry! In fact we are trying to build the industry in our country right now because we are a traditional people.. so trying to blend this new age culture in our traditional culture, there are many points where the cultures clash.. the youth are receiving it quite positively.. it’s very exciting to look at the change, some of our artists are making waves in South Africa now! It’s a rollercoaster ride man.
What do you think the Lord is calling you to next?:
I think now it’s the music and the poetry, and this new motivational speaking vibe that I’m feeling. I have a lot to say, but I haven’t been given a platform.. I feel like I have a bit of teaching in me, and I love the children and they love me. I want to do something to reach the children to make sure they avoid the kind of life that I’ve experienced. I think maybe motivational speaking for primary schools.. I feel like God has a lot in store for me, but this is where the journey starts!
How can people in America be praying for you?
I’d love to get a scholarship to further my studies. Also be praying for my mom and the reuniting of my family, because I miss them terribly. It’s been 5 years since I’ve seen my mom and my two little brothers. Pray for Swaziland, our country has a lot going on.. there’s a lot of corruption.. we need some sort of change to find the power that is inside of us.
What’s one thing you want to say to the people in America reading this?
What the heck is Starbucks?!?!
Regrets by Clive Herbst
I regret ever regretting,
I regret all my tear shedding,
The pain and suffering
All that heavy lifting
Over the years and all for nothing!!!
All in vain!!
It took me to know I’m weak
So I could understand I’m free.
It took me to get on my knees
To stand tall and be me.
I regret wasting time
All these years slipping and sliding in slime
Calling it the toughs of life
Misled myself, living a lie
I went to the gallows, gave up my life
And died.
That was the best of choices, giving my life to Christ.
It set me free from all the lies
It refocused my eyes
I found trust, I found peace and true love.
I regret a broken heart,
I regret ever breaking hearts
And chuckling while walking on the bleeding shards.
Now I reminisce and cry.
I deserve worse,
I deserve excruciating pain, eternal death, hell.
But God gives me grace.
I regret never having shared
His Word the right way,
And using this God given influence to lead people astray.
I regret all the dreams I dumped in the ashtray
And every puff of that chronic I inhaled into my chest.
I’m high on the Holy Spirit
Overdosing and never ceasing.
I regret ever looking down on the art of singing
Now I’m constrained
All I can do is RAP
And I feel I can’t worship as deeply as they.
I wish I could scream out in loudest melodious voice
Declaring His holiness
And proclaiming His Goodness.
