Nhlanhla Mabaso
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Poet Nduduzi Mkhize known by his stage name Gubhela won an award under the category of Best Poet at the South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMAs) held in Sun City, North West province on Saturday.
Gubhela’s career has been experiencing significant growth due to the amount of support he’s been getting from his numerous fans. His work has been highly received, from his own movement called (Ngokuka Gubhela Chapter 1) meaning, according to Gubhela – Chapter 1; this is where the young poet embarked on a journey to different communities to interact with his supporters by performing his poems alongside his colleagues and friends Zamoh Cofi, Shiwe SmartBlack Mthwazi. Scelo Ncube, the writer of I WAS RAPED AND YOU WERE BORN, also joined in the initiative.
The movement has taken place in three different cities: Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Newcastle.
On Sunday Gubhela told Blazonmagazine that this wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for those who have been showing support, “In general, I would like to thank everyone who made it possible for me to win this award, from radio stations, newspapers, social media supporters and University Poetry.” Gubhela has performed in various university shows including ‘Starring’, a Durban University of Technology (DUT) Poetry Society show initiated by Ntokozo Zulu, which allows students to come listen to poems free of charge.
He added that this award is a legacy for him because it will always be a mark even when after he is gone. Gubhela is hoping it will open more doors and opportunities for him however he doesn’t want to be defined by how many awards he scoops, instead he wants to be remembered by how many lives he has touched with his poetry.
Very energetic post, I liked that a lot. Will tһere be a part 2?