Lulama Andrecia Shiviti, known as N’wa-Xiyakana The Poet, from Thomo village outside Giyani, says she has always loved poetry, but at first, only read English poems. “I then saw Limpopo poets performing their poems in their home languages and I liked it instantly,” she says. She is the second-born of Letisa Mabunda and Kamazu Shiviti.
The family now resides in Gawula. “At first I performed poems written by others, but in 2017 I started to write my own poems.” She says her love for poetry started at church when she was introduced to biblical poetry by her Sunday school teacher. She hopes to promote Africanisation through her poems and help young Tsonga people preserve their roots.
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“I am a proud Tsonga girl,” she says. Her inspiration comes from poets such as N’wa Jika The Poet, Ntombhi ya Mutsonga, and N’wa-Mbhuri. “I follow N’wa Jika’s motto, ‘Let the village girl shine’, and it’s our time to shine as young poets.” She participated in the Limpopo Poetry Slam Competition in July where she attained second place.
She was also crowned Miss Ndzalo Foundation 2023 first runner-up. “My wish is to become a professional poet and encourage young people to find their hidden talents rooted in African literature,” she concludes. Lulama performs at funerals, weddings, churches, and parties. You can reach her at 063 527 7263.
