When a woman threw a R200 note into their hat, Imin’ Esisdenge knew King William's Town thought they were all right. When the 16-voice street poet ensemble returned to Grahamstown with R1 200 in the bag, having sold five CDs, they were positively inspired.
When a woman threw a R200 note into their hat, Imin’ Esisdenge knew King William's Town thought they were all right. When the 16-voice street poet ensemble returned to Grahamstown with R1 200 in the bag, having sold five CDs, they were positively inspired.
The young Vukani performers had been eyeing the spot for some time, and they travelled to King William’s Town to do their Imin' Esisdenge traditional unplugged street poetry last Saturday 6 September, led by rap and spoken-word poetry duo Njilo noDezz.
The duo, rap artist Lonwabo "Dezz" Gwente and poet Sfiso "Njilo" Mhlabeni, began working together in 2010. They were later joined by Peddie-born drummer and wordsmith, Malibongwe Dyantie.
“When we went to the Steve Biko Centre Youth Celebration on 16 June we identified a business spot in the park in King WIlliam's Town," Dezz said.
"We chose it because it is neither down town nor uptown. It’s a perfect spot to showcase for people of different backgrounds.” Njilo said their performance of traditional street poetry had been "beyond successful".
They are currently raising funds to upgrade their back yard studio in Vukani location. They went home with R1 200 and sold five CDs. The largest amount they've ever received for performing in Grahamstown is R400.
“We don’t take that R400 for granted either. But in King another woman threw R200 in our hat," said Njilo.
"We were shocked and excited at the same time. Myself and Dezz know that Buffalo City is very supportive. For the two of us, it was the fifth time visiting.”
“We booked a Quantum taxi to transport the 16 of us," said group member Sinethemba Peter. "We raised our own finance. Some of the young high school boys had to ask from their parents, and we kept postponing the trip until we got everyone’s money paid up front.”
The group also includes Luthando Makana, Lihle Geelbooi, Asemahle Mdyogolo, Jesus Christ Ndyibi, Azola Jela, Esethu Siyolo, Akhona Mafani, Vuyani Cele, Sithembiso Nanto, Nkosinathi Peter, Siyanda Ntamo, Lwando Fana and Khanyisa Emethe.
Imin’ Esisdenge are now working on a new single and a video of their street show, while they contemplate returning to another warm welcome in King William’s Town.
