Mbombela creative embraces Siswati culture through poetry

A Siswati poet and rapper aims to inspire and raise awareness about the Siswati culture through her artwork. Nondumiso Shongwe, stage name Priestess Blvck, released an EP with seven poems on February 2 to showcase her artistry.

“The EP is called Buya and comprises poems blended with music. This is an amazing project that took me two years to finish. I recorded the EP three times, because I wanted it to be perfect and portray the various emotions,” she said.

This 28-year-old said the project was inspired by her growing up in Schoemansdal, staying in eSwatini for a while and finding her independence in Mbombela, as well as her spiritual life.

“Doing poetry in Siswati is a way to preserve this beautiful language. I lived in eSwatini for about seven years and learnt about its history and culture. I was captured by the respect and politeness when Swati people speak. It was at that time I knew I had to do storytelling with rhymes and rhythms in Siswati.”

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Shongwe said her first love is writing. She has been writing for over 15 years. She has used literature as a coping tool throughout her school years.

“I always had stage fright when I had to recite my poems, until I gained self-confidence to perform in 2020. I have participated in local poetry events such as poetry slam leagues, Words in My Mouth, boss-level hip-hop sessions and Ligwalagwala FM’s poetry session.”

Shongwe is also a radio personality and hopes to cement herself in the media space. She currently co-hosts the Beyond Innovation show on Lokuhle FM from 11:00 to 14:00.

She also hosts poetry sessions on Facebook called #BlvckWinesDays every Wednesday evening. She recites a new poem while sipping a glass of wine.
“I want to grow this platform by inviting other artists to share their stories about love, wine and poetry.”

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The artist believes she is a master of art, a language perfectionist, and she always goes for quality over quantity. “My upcoming project will be another true work of art. I am cooking up a rap project that I believe promises a great future in the arts and culture industry for me,” she said.

Shongwe’s poems can be streamed on digital platforms such as YouTube and Spotify.