Vusumuzi Mpofu is an award-winning spoken word artist, youth advocate, and Programme Manager of the Cape Cultural Collective Writers’ Club. Known for using poetry as a tool for expression, leadership, and social impact, he represents a generation of artists building change both on and off the stage.

His creative journey began in 2014 through mentorship programmes that developed young poets in Cape Town. Since then, he has performed on major platforms, built networks across the live arts scene, and continued using spoken word to engage youth voices and community development.

Outside the CCC, Vusumuzi works in advocacy and youth empowerment, helping create opportunities for young people to lead change in their own communities.

In this Faces of the CCC interview, he reflects on mentorship, discipline, creativity, and why the arts remain one of the strongest forces for connection. Read the full Q&A below to learn more about the voice, vision, and purpose behind his work.

Q&A

 1. Describe yourself in three words or fewer.
Focused. Hardworking. Fun.

2. Tell us about your journey into the arts. What pivotal experience shaped your approach?
I began writing and performing poetry in 2014. I had always been fascinated by literature and lyricism.
At the time, the Lingua Franca Spoken Word Movement was visiting different communities to identify and mentor young poets for an exchange programme with students and poets from the USA.
I was selected to join the mentorship alongside other young poets. We attended monthly poetry and creativity workshops that helped us develop as professional performers, writing and responding through decolonial poetics.
I am also an alumnus of the C.Y.P.H.E.R Programme (Cape Youth Poetry Hub for Expression & Rhythm). Through that journey, I started networking in Cape Town’s live performance scene, attending open mic events and theatre productions.
That is where I was introduced to the Cape Cultural Collective, first as a poet and performer. Over the years, I grew into managing the Writers’ Club, a creative writing and poetry programme of the CCC.
Being mentored shaped my approach because I learned from different people, experiences, cultures, beliefs, and perspectives. It led me to take a broader community development approach, using poetry as a tool for advocacy and social growth.

3. This is not your day job, tell us a little more about yourself, where are you from and what do you do when you’re not involved in the CCC?
I am a multi-award-winning and slam-winning published spoken word artist who creates authentic work centred on youth experiences and narratives.
I also work in community development, helping young people lead positive change through my role at Gold Youth Development Agency, where I serve as Marketing and Advocacy Co-ordinator.
When I am not involved with the CCC, I am usually writing poetry, performing, or serving the community through my work at Gold Youth.

4. If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be and why?
I would choose the power to freeze time so I could complete everything on my to-do list.
I often feel there is so much to do and not enough time. If I could freeze time for a month, I would get a great deal done, then unfreeze it and only a second would have passed.

5. What song best describes your personality?
Love Yours by J. Cole

6. What’s the most memorable project you’ve been part of or your most memorable experience?
One of my most memorable experiences was flying to Durban in October 2025 for the first time to perform at Poetry On The Lawn. It was a grounding and affirming moment for me.

7. How do you get inspired when you feel stuck creatively?
I take breaks, drink water, and reset through Tae Bo meditation.

8. How do you think the arts can bring people together?
Music, poetry, dance, visual art, and other creative forms do not discriminate based on race, sex, or belief. We all engage with them in some way, and that shared connection helps bring people together.

9. What’s one thing you wish more people knew about CCC?
I want people to know that a great deal of work and passion goes into the different programmes.
There are also opportunities for volunteers, and people can get involved to support the work being done.

10. What do you enjoy most about being involved in the CCC?
I enjoy the growth and learning opportunities.
I also value working with different people who bring different knowledge, skills, and experiences.

11. What’s one piece of advice you received as a young person that still guides you?
Keep going.