Local poet Simamkele Prince Benya has set his sights on the forthcoming South African Traditional Music Achievement Awards (SATMA Awards) taking place in the North West in September.
Simamza as he is fondly known describes himself as a “poet and storyteller” and has been writing since 2010 when he was a pupil at Bulumko and Kwa Mfundo high schools.
“I was inspired by national poet Zola Mkiva who sang praises for President Nelson Mandela,” he said.
Simamza, who writes mostly in Xhosa, formed a group named Title African Peace with other poets Luhla Jaca, Langalethu and Siphosethu Rweca and released their first song Sinike Udumo Kubawo, a song that talk about the lives of young people lost due to gangsterism.
He dreams of doing a collaboration with Amanda Black.
“I would really love to perform alongside her, I have even done a poem praising her.
“The poem is titled Amanda Black and is downloadable from www.datafilehost.com/d/473d2f1e” he said.
Simamza is appealing to the public to vote for him so that he can realise his dream of winning an award.
To vote for him, SMS the words “SimamzaThePoet” to 49495. SMS costs R1.50.
