PRAISE singer Ntobeko "Shombela Imbongi" Makhaye is happy to be honoured with an award while preparing to publish his debut poetry book and praising Zulu King Misuzulu.
The 19-year-old poet was honoured with the Best Writer award by Ulibo Poetry and Honors Awards for his creative contribution to the poetry industry.
The award ceremony was held at Stable Theatre in Durban on Saturday, 24 June.
Shombela said he is humbled to be recognised with an award.
“It shows that I’m on the right track. It motivates me to do more.
“Sometimes doing something and not getting recognition feels like what you are doing is not enough,” he said.
He said getting the award came as he was preparing to publish his debut poetry book at the end of July 2023.
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“I will be publishing my debut book under the Mzikayise Ndlovu Foundation. It will have more than 40 poems.
“My poem will cater to both the youth and adults.
"It differs to poems I used to perform where I normally only motivate the youth,” he said.
Shombela from Kranskop in KZN Midlands said he recently worked with internationally acclaimed maskandi star Mbuzeni Mkhize on an album to be released on 22 July.
“We did a song with Mbuzeni and on the track, I’m praising King Misuzulu. I wrote his new praises.
“It was nice working with Mbuzeni because I never thought I'd work with him. I grew up listening to his songs,” he said.
His poetry journey started in 2010 after being inspired by former Ukhozi FM presenter Ngizwe Mchunu.
