WINNING the South African Volunteer Awards (SAVA) was just the beginning for eSikhaleni-born poet Mbalenhle ‘Magcwabe’ Mkhize.
Now this homegrown entertainer has received a top South African Traditional Music Award (SATMA) in the Best Poet category.
Magcwabe was selected after a series of nominations from South Africans.
She is the only female artist in the category alongside Ukhozi FM presenter Bongani Mavuso, Xhosa Boy from Eastern Cape and award-winning Ndumiso Maphumulo.
‘A dream comes true to be nominated along poets I have admired and respected for years. They showed me the way and I looked up to them,’ she said.
‘Not only is thing an exciting period in my career but the experience of my name being called as a nominee of such prestigious awards is nothing less than a dream coming true,’
This talented artist is definitely no stranger to the limelight and has an overflowing bag of achievements.
She has performed with the best in the country, including The Soil, Ntando, Mxolisi Mtshali, Syabonga Mpungose and Joyous Celebrations.
Her stage presence and unique poems such as Bayeke bagqoloze, Kwanele Manje and Africa Unite have earned her numerous accolades, including winning the SAVA award as the best poet.
She has also been part of the Vuka Mzansi show with former presenter Linda Sibiya on uKhozi FM, the poetry show of Bongani Mavuso and is currently in a maskandi show on Vibe FM.
She recently collaborated with Durban songbird Zandile Shangase and released includes a killer poem titled Mathonga esizwe khulumani.
‘Sometimes you have to try something new and be creative. People love music, and blending it with my poetry simply works. It’s one of the reason’s I received this nomination,’ said Mbali.
Mbali recently featured in a music video titled intombi emhlophe of maskandi giant Thokozani ‘Somnandi’ Langa.
She also made her television break and was featured as part of the popular eTV soapie, Rhythm City.
Zululanders can assist Magcwabe and vote for her by SMS: SATMA Best Poet Magcwabe to 34066.
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