'Mandela was like Jesus'
Nelson Mandela's former praise singer Zolani Mkiva spoke to Abi Ray about his 13 years of working closely with Madiba. He has likened his presence to that of Jesus Christ.
Abi Ray caught up with oral traditional poet Zolani Mkiva on The Workzone earlier today to talk about the time he spent with the Father of Our Nation, Nelson Mandela, for whom he was a praise singer for many years.
Mkiva earned national fame when he acted as an imbongi (praise singer) at the celebration of Nelson Mandela’s release from jail in 1990.
In 1991 Mkiva was appointed as the Poet of the Nation.
In 1994 television viewers around the world watched his impressive performance at Mandela’s inauguration as President of the Republic of South Africa.
Since then he has added lustre to many official functions with his powerful presentations.
The praise singer spent 13 years travelling alongside Madiba singing his praises.
Abi asked him what that was like.
He told Abi that Mandela was "a lot like Jesus".
Take a listen to the interview below.
- Phumlani Dube (The Work Zone - The Work Zone producer)