Zolani mkiva biography of christopher columbus

The family belongs to a renowned line of orators and imbongis folk poets , and Zolani Mkiva himself grew up to become one of the most famous imbongis of his time. In the past they acted as intermediaries between the tribespeople and their leaders, the often timid people making their fears and wishes known through the imbongi. He was a walking chronicle, often endowed with a prodigious memory.

As an organic intellectual, Zolani Mkiva has also authored and published books and papers.

Another of his tasks was encouraging the warriors of his tribe during fights. His traditional attributes were the spear, the knobkerrie a fighting-stick and the fly-swish made of ox-tails. In he was appointed Imbongi Yesiwe, i. Poet of the Nation. Since then he has added lustre to many official functions with his powerful presentation, for instance when Walter Sisulu was awarded the freedom of the city of Johannesburg.

Zolani Mkiva has received many honours; at a festival in Zimbabwe he was proclaimed King of African Poetry.

South African poet, singer, and cultural activist Zolani Mkiva is known for promoting African history and culture.

This site includes a poem by Zolani Mkiva in print, but only by way of exception. As a contemporary carrier of the African oral tradition he does not seek publication, but prefers to be heard. This text was written on that occasion. Poetry International opened with the exciting work of Belgian writer and ….