The Poetic Genius a rising star in the literary scene
The Poetic Genius a rising star in the literary scene
Poet and author Kgosietsile Kevin Kooagile, famously known as “The Poetic Genius,” is a rising star in Botswana’s literary scene. At just 20 years old, the University of Botswana student has already published two acclaimed poetry collections, Shattering Shackles and Ataraxy. He’s also been featured in major media outlets and received both local and international recognition for his work.
Kooagile’s debut collection, Shattering Shackles, came from a place of confronting personal struggles. He used his poetry to address internal and external “shackles” like emotional trauma and spiritual stagnation. “I wrote each poem as a step closer toward healing,” he explains, seeing the work as a process of breaking free and reclaiming his identity.
His second book, Ataraxy, represents the peace that follows the storm. The poems are more meditative, focusing on acceptance and the “strength and reassurance found in spiritual stillness.” Together, the two collections trace a powerful arc from affliction to healing.
Balancing his studies as a third-year business student with his blossoming literary career is a Herculean task, but Kooagile tackles it with discipline and planning. He dedicates weekends to writing and editing, while weekdays are reserved for his studies. He also strategically plans his creative projects around his academic calendar, using school breaks to write and promote his books. This dual path has a surprising synergy; his business education has sharpened his skills in marketing and branding, which he applies directly to his work as an author.
As a Christian poet, Kooagile’s faith is the bedrock of his writing. He sees poetry as a form of ministry, a way to “preach to hearts artistically” beyond the church walls. The themes of restoration, purpose, and identity he explores are deeply rooted in biblical truth, and he often prays for divine guidance, asking God to “speak His mind as I write my poems.”
While international recognition is a significant milestone, Kooagile finds the most fulfillment in quieter moments. He cherishes messages from readers who share how his poetry helped them through a difficult time. “That’s actually more fulfilling for me,” he says, highlighting the profound connection his words create with his audience.
Kooagile believes poetry acts as a mirror for youth in Botswana, giving language to their experiences and amplifying their concerns. Spoken word, in particular, has become a tool for healing and social change, sparking conversations about mental health, faith, and injustice. He believes poetry is one of Botswana’s most underrated art forms for social change, and it’s time to “fully invest in it.”
