KNYSNA NEWS - Ever wondered what is meant by the saying dynamite comes in small packages? Well, you only have to witness Kamva Matshona literally roar his way onto stage spitting loaded messages and unpacking them in the isiXhosa vernacular so you feel it in your heart.
Matshona is what is called Imbongi Yomthonyama, traditionally an African praise poet.
The 20-year-old has been only been fully active in writing and performing his poetry for four months now, but his name made it to the list of nominees for the Eastern Cape's Amagugu Music Awards in Mthatha later this year. And if sheer energy and passion is anything to go by, he might bring back the title of best male poet home.
Born in Port Elizabeth, the Concordia High School learner said he was touched by the passing of Winnie Madikizela Mandela, decided to put his emotions to paper and, "I have never looked back".
'I'm in love with being African'
Talking about what sets him apart and the need to deliver his messages only in isiXhosa, Matshona said, "I have fallen in love with everything that has to do with being an African – there is so much depth and I feel like I haven't even scratched the surface."
He said his poetry has been warmly received by the community and the school and that his greatest challenge to date is having to explain isiXhosa to people who don't understand it. "It is a challenge because the language is very complex and so much can be lost in translation, but nothing makes me happier than by being received by someone who has no idea what I'm saying and yet they can still grasp and appreciate it."
Matshona said the life of any artist has highs and lows and that one ultimately has to choose which one he dwells in and I choose the latter always. "Abantu bayaphila yimiyalezo yam kwaye nam ndiyazidla ngobuXhosa bam (poetry brings so much healing and this makes me even more proud to be Xhosa)."
Should you wish to vote for Kamva sms Amas Kamva Imbongi best male poetry to 33668, SMS costs R150. Voting lines for Amagugu Musical Awards close on 3 June. The actual ceremony will be in Mthatha and the venue is to be confirmed.
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