Local poet ready to be Ramaphosa's praise singer.

In his inaugural State of the Nation address, Pres Cyril Ramaphosa quoted the late Hugh Masekela's hit Thuma Mina, which inspired many in the country.

A well-known local poet, Mr Lutendo Evans Mugagadeli, better known as Vendaboy Poet, has stood up and quoted the same words, this time directed to the president himself.

Vendaboy (28), of Ha Nthabalala outside Louis Trichardt, who rose to prominence in 2012 and has three albums under his belt, is a big fan of Ramaphosa. He said that he was ready to serve, and that the president should not shop around for a praise singer as he was available.

To show that he is serious, the 2012 Tshima award winner and 2013 and 2014 Satma awards nominee also wrote a poem dedicated to Ramaphosa. He has since recorded a single and an album, including the poem. It will be available in May.

"Ramaphosa is a great leader, a man of morals and integrity, a man of peace who is striving to take back the country to what it was when democracy first dawned here. He is erasing the corruption stigma that has become like a plague in the country and his leadership is worth emulating," said Vendaboy.

The well-known poet said he had been following the new president since he had taken over the reins and had come to realise that things were changing for the better in the country. "I am ready to serve this principled man, I will await an opportunity for him to call me and will serve with all my heart," said the poet, beaming with confidence.

Mr Takalani Radzilani, a big fan of Vendaboy Poet, said that he was ready and mature, and he knew exactly what he was doing. “I think the president should take notice of the man and give him chance to perform,” he said.

Entertainment - Date: 15 April 2018

Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019.

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