Biography:

Toni Stuart is a poet, writer and journalist. In July, with storyteller Nicole le Roux she launched a new youth storytelling mentorship organisation called I Am Somebody!

Toni started writing poetry at 15, and it was her love for writing that led to a career in journalism. From 2002 to 2007, she worked as a journalist for Cape Community Newspapers, writing for several titles including the Athlone News, Southern Suburbs Tatler and the Plainsman. In 2003, she started performing poetry with Dala Flat Music and in 2004, with the record label, held 38 Special words and music: a monthly event of poetry and music collaboration. For three years she was part of the And Word Was Woman Ensemble: a performance poetry group which featured at events such as Cape Town Book Festival, Woman’s Parliament and Cape Town Festival among others. She has performed at numerous events in the city and overseas while travelling. Last year she ran an after-school programme at Hout Bay High School, using poetry and other art forms as a way of helping youth to express themselves and discover who they are and tell their own stories.

With I Am Somebody! Toni aims to use storytelling in its various forms to help youth develop a strong sense of self-awareness, move past the invisible barriers of race, class and culture to build a community that responds to all of its needs.

Related Podcasts & Events:

• Related Podcast (Toni Stuart)