Praise poet and founder of Izwi LeeMbongi Arts and Cultural Festival, Mandilakhe Twazi, expressed happiness at having managed to bring the event back after a two-year hiatus, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This comes after the successful hosting of the second edition of the annual event in Mthatha on April 2. The inaugural event was hosted in 2019.
The second edition of the event was hosted at the O.R. Tambo Hall in Southernwood, Mthatha, with internationally renowned praise poet, Zolani Mkiva, among those in attendance as a guest speaker.
The poetry festival attracted praise poets from as far afield as Bloemfontein and Twazi could not be happier at the growth of his brainchild.
“The idea behind this poetry competition is to preserve the art of praise poetry and use this platform as a tool to unearth and groom other upcoming praise poets from around the country and beyond,” Twazi said.
He further said it was his intention to grow the annual event into a global showpiece that could attract praise poets from around the globe.
“My wish is to see this initiative growing annually and becoming an international event that attracts international praise poets. I also want it to be self-sustainable so that it continues even if I am no longer around,” Twazi added.
He further thanked praise poets who contributed to the successful hosting of the event by sharing their ideas and wisdom during the organising stage.
The top five performing poets from the event were rewarded with a certificate and cash prizes between R1 000 and R5 000.
Twazi said he planned to host another talent showcase event called Masikhule Youth Talent Show which is targeted for the youth on June 16.
The second annual Izwi LeeMbongi Arts and Cultural Festival was made possible through funding Twazi, secured from the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.
