Keorapetse William Kgositsile was born on 19 September 1938. He was well known by his pen name Bra Willie, and was a South African Tswana poet and political activist. In 2006 he was inaugurated as South Africa’s National Poet Laureate .

Kgositsile lived in exile in the United States from 1962 until 1975. He studied a great deal of African-American Literature and culture, He enjoyed the soul of jazz. During the 1970’s he was very active along with other African-American Poets, writing poetry that reflected a connection with Africa. In doing this he also interacted with many other art forms, and was well known for his readings in New York City jazz clubs.

Kgositsile was one of the first to bridge the gap between African poetry and Black poetry in the United States.

He passed on the 3rd of January 2018.