The Sunday News
Loveness Nyathi Sunday Leisure Correspondent
THE saying that when one falls in love with something, he or she loves it forever rings true for poet, Lerato Ndlovu who continues to love poetry and has been practicing it despite the fact that it has never given him meaningful financial rewards.The 42-year-old famous poet, popularly known as Nqindi, says he has been spurred on by his love for art and culture, which has seen him dedicating his energy in growing the genre.
Nqindi said he started poetry at the age of 12 when he was doing his primary school education at Ntalale Primary School in Gwanda District.
“I was in Grade Six in 1984 when I was encouraged to participate in praise poetry competitions that were held at the school. With my natural flair for the art, I did well in the cluster competitions then and I was selected to take part in the zonal contests, where I also excelled.
“I then proceeded to district and national finals where my talent was recognised. It all started as a hobby but later became a career,” he said.
“When I talk about culture I feel my heartbeat increasing and my blood racing. It’s part of me, and it defines who I am and it excites me a lot.”
The praise poet, who comes from Ntalale said his love for African culture has always been a motivating factor that has seen him nursing his career despite various challenges.
Nqindi is known for his brand of poetry that is intense and has a captivating baritone voice, which always holds the crowd spellbound when he takes to the stage, resulting in rapturous applause.
He has performed in different places around Zimbabwe and at the zenith of his career he was a hit all over the country, something which saw him gaining a huge following.
Besides performing in various places such as Bulawayo, Kezi, Beitbridge and Plumtree, Nqindi has recited his poems at national events like Independence galas, Independence Day celebrations, Heroes’ Day and Unity Day galas.
His performances at national platforms saw him gaining huge acclaim and being featured on various media such as television, radio and newspapers.
While Nqindi is still performing at schools, colleges, birthday parties and weddings, his profile has of late scaled down.
In a recent interview in Ntalale, Nqindi bemoaned lack of funding of the arts industry, saying people enjoy listening and watching the work of artistes but were reluctant to pay for it.
“We see youth projects being funded but nothing is reserved for the arts. If they paid us, the field of arts was going to be good and enjoyable,” he said.
Like any other artiste “Nqindi Omuhle,” as he calls himself, is facing financial challenges in the industry as he has failed to perform at different occasions because he does not have a car to transport him and his group.
The group, made up of six members does not have a patron or a manager to help develop their talent as well as manage their welfare in a professional manner.
“I have difficulties in managing my career and the group because I don’t have a manager or a patron let alone the capacity to pay one if I am to hire.”
“If I had a kombi it was going to be easier to transport my group and if I had a motorbike I would use it for advertising. I am therefore appealing for assistance in the form of cash and mostly transport,” said Nqindi.
Nqindi received a grant of $2 625 from Culture Fund in 2012, which he used to buy costumes for the young dancers he has recruited.
If he gets the chance, Nqindi wishes to further his studies in arts and culture so that he can do things professionally like other artistes.
Nqindi said his vision was to train young people and empower them so that they appreciate culture and art.
He has managed to identify and nurture a lot of talent from his community.
The youths perform drama and dances like mutshongoyi, ngquzu, jerusalema, amajukwa, amantshomani and isitshikitsha.
“People enjoy my poems and I wish everyone can learn more about their totems as I praise them when I am reciting my poems. Youths should respect their culture and be proud to be Zimbabweans like I do. They should praise themselves, bayithede bahule ka hlompho, bayigane nga benamani (abatsha kumele baziqhenye baziteme bakhule ngenhlonipho baqolotshe njengamathole),” said Nqindi.
The poems that Nqindi has recited include Isililo Somkhoba and Samora Moise Machel, a poem about how the Mozambican President died.
Ndlovu previously recited Ndebele and English poems but since other languages are now recognised by the Zimbabwean Constitution he believes there is a need to give attention to his mother language Sotho and also Venda.
The poet is also a farmer, a father of four and a grandfather of one.
“I am a villager, I have got a wife, four children (three girls and a boy) and a grandson. I am also a member of the Mhene Irrigation Scheme in Ntalale,” he said.
“I am into farming and cattle, goat and sheep rearing. Proceeds from my farming activities have assisted me financially in difficult times.”
Rumours of Nqindi’s death circulated on social networks in late 2012 after he fought a leopard, which he found attacking his sheep. Many believed it was true and went to his home to pass their condolences.
“I never knew that people loved me. I only appreciated it after realising the way they ‘mourned’ me when I was rumoured to have died. The Government even sent a police officer to check on me but to his surprise I was alive and kicking,” said the comical poet.
