Mthobisi Mndlovu (17), stage name Umnikazi Wepeni, is determined to share his passion for poetry all over Nkomazi.
“I want people to know about me and my poems. I want to change lives and give people hope for a better future through poetry,” he said.
Mndlovu started writing and reciting poems in 2018 after the passing of his aunt. “I managed to find creative ways to express my emotions on challenges I have faced, including the death of my father when I was younger. I want to share my experiences with people as I entertain them.”
He believes the outstanding element about him is that he can recite poems in multiple languages, including Siswati, IsiZulu, Xitsonga and English. “I am fluent in these languages and thought it would be great thing for me to infuse them to be unique.”
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In 2020, Mthobisi released an EP of poems, called Imithandazo Yalomdzala. “It has four poems, titled ‘Ngabe babe usaphila’, ‘Ungishiyeleni’, ‘Sigcila selutsandvo’ and ‘Kwakhala nyonini’. These are the poems that gave me recognition from the community as a poet. I started getting bookings to perform at churches and other local events.”
He said it had been a great journey learning and experimenting with poetry. His poems are available on YouTube.
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While continuing to build a name in the creative industry, he hopes to pursue a career in medicine or as a pharmacist.
“I have a desire to spread my love of poetry and share my work with not just Mpumalanga, but the rest of the country with their poets and musicians,” he said.
