By ‘Maleruo Leponesa
Akhona “Bhodl’Ingqaka” Mafani, a local poet, storyteller, actor, songwriter, composer, and musician with a national reputation, is hosting a heritage fundraiser in the City Hall on Saturday 28 September.
“Our event, aptly named Cultural Mosaic, promises to be an unforgettable experience, filled with music, dance, poetry, and art,” said Mafani. The programme aims to celebrate our rich cultural diversity, highlighting the traditions, customs, and artistic expressions of various communities across the Eastern Cape and beyond — and to raise funds to help grow the next generation of praise poets.
The event starts at 2pm with a line-up that includes Ntomb’OmXhosa and Inako Mateza, both South African Traditional Music Achievement award nominees, along with performing artists Positive Minds and Dongadala Bemdiliza from Qebherha, Ilifa Lamaqabambola from East Lndon, plus Dlakuthi, Solanga and Ingqaka Poetry Academy’s Young Artists.
The day’s cultural custodians will be Inkciyo and heritage activist Onguye Ukumkani, Mr & Miss Indoni Cultural (Xhosa King & Queen, Indoni 2024/25), and Makana councillor Ramie Xonxa.
Programme directors and hosts are Mcqiwa the Comedian and Vovo the Influencer. The honoured artists of Cultural Mosaic will be Elements Himself, Joza Raw and Makhanda Hip-Hop Pioneers.
All artists perform voluntarily, in support of the fundraising initiative. Tickets are available at Makan Tourism and at the door.
Hosting change
Mafani is also the founder of Ingqaka Communications, an organisation hosting social dialogues, empowerment sessions, poetry, and soul sessions, all aimed at using art and language as tools for transformation, decolonisation, and social change.
So next week’s heritage event will also mark Ingqaka’s official launch. According to Mafani, this “unconventional literary agency” aims to nurture, develop, and flourish poetry skills in aspiring young writers and disadvantaged communities.
Who is Akhona “Bhodl’Ingqaka” Mafani?
Raised in the dusty streets of Vukani, Mafani fell in love with poetry and music from a young age. He drew early inspiration from local poets performing on stage at the National Arts Festival’s free outdoor events, where he watched in awe as art unfolded before the community.
He began writing poetry in 2011, specialising in spoken word, and has since earned his stripes as a respected imbongi in his neighbourhood. It is through this recognition that he was given the honorific name Bhodl’ingqaka, (he who speaks fluently).
For more information about Cultural Mosaic, visit http://grahamstown.co.za/events or follow Ingqaka Communications online.
