Botlhale Boikanyo is a South African poet, spoken word artist, actress, and singer. She is best known for winning South Africa’s Got Talent in 2012.
She performed her poems at the Legacy of Hope Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital campaign inauguration in New York.
The poet dropped an original poetry album, Spoken Word & Music, in 2014.
She bagged the South African Music Award for Best Traditional Album for the work. Her performance of Madiba Tribute’ on South Africa Got Talent went viral.
Early Life
Botlhale Boikanyo was born on 23 May 2001 in Mahikeng, North West province of South Africa. She is the eldest of three children.
Growing up in Mafikeng was a humbling experience for her. She performed poetry at churches, schools, and other events. Her parents are Lebone and Mumsy Boikanyo.
The poet was a child raised by the village and community. Every elder was a parent, and they taught her the value of respect. She started reading and writing poetry at the age of six.
Education
Botlhale Boikanyo attended St Stithian College. Her matric results had two distinctions, and the Office of the Premier, North West Province, congratulated her.
She and another student, Taryn, won the Investec High School Bursary in 2016.
Career
Boikanyo appeared in South Africa’s Got Talent and won as a poet. She performed the poem by Marianne Williamson and also recited something original.
Botlhale is a fellow of the Mmabana Arts, Culture, and Sport Club. The young poet has always found herself in leadership positions.
The poet entered the competition after coming across an advert and aspires to be an actor and entrepreneur.
She landed an acting role as the scandalous lurve child of Boitshoko and Mlungisi in the soap opera Scandal. She made her debut on Wednesday, 30 September.
On 5 May 2014, Botlhale Boikanyo dropped her debut album, Spoken Word and Music, on the SONY label.
She has met with renowned personalities such as Charlize Theron, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Whoopi Goldberg, and Dr. Maya Angelou.
Boikanyo is a brand influencer on social media. She has done paid partnerships with brands such as Dove and Fantafunza. She also runs a Ghana Travel Vlog on her channel.
The poet wrote and recited a poem that honors rugby sporting legends at a historic stadium known for its many milestones in SA sporting history.
She also appeared in Kleva-ish, a coming of age comedy about a by-the-book university geek who turns to the neighborhood bad girl.
Personal Life
Boikanyo is allegedly dating Kagiso Phaswana, aka Kpaparazzi, a photographer and content designer. The duo has been together for a while. She is a Christian.
As a child, she was not always comfortable and secure in her skin. As she grew older, she learned to appreciate and embrace her skin.
