LIFE challenges inspire and motivate a young, upcoming iNchanga poet to put his thoughts onto paper and uplift people’s spirits.
Sifiso ‘Mafree’ Gwala, who comes from a Hip Hop background, said he started writing poetry in 2011.
His first poem was titled ‘Bathande bonke kodwa ungathembi noyedwa’ which means, ‘Love them all but trust no one’.
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“It was well received and I knew from there that this is what I wanted to do. The response I got was amazing, especially as I had not written poetry before.
“At school I sang tenor in the choir, played cricket and soccer. Growing up I always wanted to be a singer as I use to look up to the late gospel singer, Sifiso Ncwane. I would use roll-on and perfume cans as a microphone to perform for my family and friends.
“When I got wiser, I realised that singing was not my strong point. Yes, I can sing in the choir, but singing solo was never going to work,” said Gwala.
The 24 year old male nursing caretaker, who will be releasing his album titled ‘Amaphiko Obuhlakani’, said he is always pressured by his fans who ask where they can get his album.
“My album will comprise 10 inspiring poems.”
He said there is nothing as soothing as seeing people being healed by your words or message.
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“I love making a difference and I believe that each and everyone has something to offer. We all have a talent and we should not let the past determine our future. People should know that there is so much more to life than pain and suffering and we are given second chances.
“I love people and even at work I recite my poems to the patients to restore hope in them. It is so sad that young people nowadays always turn to alcohol and drugs if things are not going their way,” said the bubbly Gwala.
His biggest dream now is to make a name for himself in the whole of South Africa and to perform at the Crown Gospel Music Awards and South Africa Traditional Music Awards (SATMA).
Follow Gwala on his Facebook page Sfisomafree da poet.
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