THE praise singer, who ushered President Cyril Ramaphosa into the National Assembly during the 2023 State of the Nation Address (Sona), now helps others reach the top.
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Poet and praise singer Msawenkosi “Inqanawe Yangempela” Duma (30), from Umlazi, south of Durban, hosted Imibhalo Enamandla Poetry Meets Music at Umlazi V Community Hall on Saturday, 7 November 2026.
Sona praise singer supports Umlazi talent
The event, sponsored by the National Arts Council and local businesspeople, gave up-and-coming musicians and poets a chance to share the stage with established artists, including MusiholiQ, Philadlozi and poet Nhlanhla Mhlongo, among others.
He also brought praise singer Inako Mateza, who ushered President Ramaphosa during the 2025 Sona, to inspire kasi youth.
Five artists competed, with the audience choosing the winner.
The Honey Badgers from Bhere Development Academy charmed the crowd with their dance moves and walked away with a R6 000 cash prize.
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Inqanawe told Daily Sun up-and-coming musicians and poets from Umlazi had been asking him to help them gain recognition after he ushered the President in 2023.
“I can say that although I ushered the president in during the Sona, I’m still not at the level I want to be. But I won’t wait for it – I realised I should start helping others while still working on myself,” he said.
I was lucky to get sponsors to host this successful event, and now I won’t look back. I’ll continue helping many more through this event, which is set to become an annual thing. I’m happy the audience voted for the winner, and the winner will automatically be featured at next year’s event.
He said sharing the stage with established artists was meant to inspire up-and-coming musicians and poets and show them that anything is possible.
Honey Badgers win R6 000 dance prize
Speaking under the guidance of academy boss Sizwe Zulu, Bandile Mzulwini (10) told Daily Sun hard work and dedication helped them win.
“If we listen to each other and share ideas, we’ll go far. We’d hope we’d win,” she said.
Bhere Development Academy plans to buy outfits
Sizwe Zulu told Daily Sun they founded the academy in 2024 and were still struggling financially.
“We’re using our own pocket money to do everything, and wanted the competition to be fair. Now, we’ll buy attire with the cash prize we won because the outfits they were wearing were borrowed,” he said.
