In 2023, popular poet Mulalo Nenungwi was nominated for a SA Traditional Music Award, but he left empty-handed. This year, he has two more bites at the apple with nominations in the African Print Authors and Poetry Awards (APAPA).
When the popular praise singer from Tshiṱavha Tsha Sambandou, better known as Mulalo the Poet, did not win the award last year, he returned home motivated to do even better. He believed in his album, Shango ḽo Dzhenwa Ngani.
Clearly, others shared his vision, as he was nominated in the Best Male Poet and Best Musical Poet categories for the APAPA. "I believe this is the time God has set for my glory. When I was nominated last year, I thought I would bring back something, but that never happened. It did not demoralise me but inspired me to work harder. It showed that people were taking notice of my work," he said.
Mulalo hopes that, this time around, he will impress the judges. "Even if I do not win in both categories, one will be enough. I will definitely not disappoint and will come back with something," he promised.
He is currently busy compiling a follow-up album that will be released before the end of the year. "Poetry is a calling and a passion for me. This is a platform I use to teach and advise the community to know the truths of life," he said.
The award ceremony will take place on 30 November in Soweto at the Tshiawelo Community Centre.