Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard The Hidden Lives of Writers

S06 E04 Onke Mazibuko

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Onke Mazibuko is the award-winning author of the coming-of-age novel THE SECOND VERSE and the whistleblower thriller CANARY, both published by Penguin Random House.

Onke joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about growing up in the early days of liberation in South Africa, and the influence of rap music in forming his creative self.

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Chapters
  • 00:01 Writing challenges and reading experiences
  • 08:10 Introduction to Onke Mazibuko
  • 12:28 Onke's writing process and journey
  • 18:21 Educational background and identity
  • 23:02 The meaning behind "The Second Verse"
  • 26:12 Psychology and creative writing
  • 53:24 Tarot, astrology, and psychology
  • 59:26 Prologues and novel structure
  • 01:02:35 Sources of inspiration and current interests
  • 01:06:45 Closing thoughts
29 Sep 2025 English South Africa Books · Arts

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