The Sunday News
Rumbidzai Mhlanga, Sunday Life Reporter
POETRY has always been in Likhwa Oka Ncube’s veins but it was at the age of 11 at Mgombane Primary School Assembly that it became apparent that he has a way with words.
Driven by passion and determination he continued with his rhymes to Mtshabezi High School where he did Form 1-6.
“I started this poetry thing at school and after high school I pursued it professionally, hence I have been in this industry for more than 10 years,” said Likhwa Oka Ncube.
Inspired by Albert Nyathi, the four times award winning poet and songwriter Likhwa said although his journey in the arts industry has been long and hard, he was happy and proud of what he has managed to achieve.
His first recognition was Nama nomination in 2014 and just a year later he bagged a coveted Nama poetry award. Most recently the wordsmith scooped the 2019 Nama outstanding poet award.
He has released four albums and the latest is titled Ngaliwe with seven tacks. His second album was titled Still I rise and was released after he scooped on outstanding Nama award in 2014 and his third album is titled Believe it or not and his Nama’s outstanding poet award was in 2015. He uses music to complement his poetry.
“Before I come up with my title I look at what is happening around me, for instance my recent album title came after I pondered about my love life hence the name Ngaliwe. I am a lover that is why I write about love all the time and uNaLikhwa (mum) will be there listening to me trying to come up with the right rhyming words.
“I really appreciate both parents my mother Lillian Silempa and my father Orgen Ncube as they are a blessing to me, my brother Thabile Bonga Ncube is also a great pillar, it is always good to have people who support your dream. There is also my role model Khuxxman whom I met as soon as I finished high school and he helped me to stand up and walk on my own in this industry, he did most of the grooming,” he added.
As a hardworking and determined person aiming for nothing but greatness he is inspired by hard working artistes who have made it in life from the grassroots.
“I’m inspired by artistes who work hard not necessarily poetry but hard working artistes, the likes of Zenzo Nyathi of Amakorokoza, Nkululeko Innocent Dube the director of Iyasa, Saimon Mambazo the director of Siyaya and Babongile Skhonjwa, to mention just a few,” he said.
Ncube mentioned that there are a lot of challenges hindering him to reach to the level he wishes to be, among them is shortage of finances.
“My biggest challenge is not having enough money to do videos because visuals propel and market you much better than doing audios only. I wish to get enough money to hire camera people to do videos of me performing so that people can know the face behind the voice that is always chanting poems in songs,” he continued.
