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Wineka Babalwa Mpetsheni
This multi-talented woman was born in the beautiful, dusted area of Xolobe, under Tsomo... former Transkei, and here in the Eastern Cape. She was given the name Wineka Babalwa wakwaMpetsheni. She is beautiful, strong, sensitive, diligent, loves people...ndithi I could write a dictionary trying to explain to you the type of person she is. Academically; she studies for a National Diploma in Internal Auditing at the Walter Sisulu University in Butterworth and currently resides at the school residence.
By Nolusindiso Noqayi
"nditshotshile, ndabholorha, ndasina, ndaty’izabetha, amakhwene nengwenye, namanqunube"
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As all poets know, we love writing. she does this all the time, spending her spare time listening to music, reading amashort stories and singing choral music - which has proven to be one of the greatest experiences for it has educated her, disciplined her mind, body and soul. Responding to it, she says; “it’s completely wonderful.” It has also helped her in her poetry for it makes her flow - flawless, and improves her reciting on stage. She has reflected this disciplined style on occasions such as June 16 and Valentines’ Balls and so on. She frequently shares the stage with her colleagues in the arena of poetry, mostly. Of performing, she says at birth she was scared but now that she has been through the conception stage, she faces the crowd without hesitation.
She always has the crowd eating out the palm of her hand for they respond positively to her presence.
Winnie, as many know her, is part of the Blaq Conscience Movement (BCM), alongside Geno and our very own editor; Makaskill. The movement fascinates her and she shared the vision they had, so that is why she joined. At first they asked her to do the vocals in their song, then their vision caught her and she couldn’t escape it’s claws. It brings her joy to spend time with other poets and emcees for she communicated what she knows with them and has grown to become the aspirant she is.
This has had a positive and negative effect on her life. Many people recognise her and call her “lady mc”. Some people give her the impression that she is not supposed to be there, but she knows where she belongs. Sometimes it distracts her academically, because the two do not click. She grows psychologically and she has a thorough comprehension of many things happening out there.
The description of her poetry is that it is political, spiritual and sometimes runs in conjunction with love. In fact it is love, because wherever she puts pen down on paper, it’s because she loves it and if it is political it’s because she loves the nation. It has elevated so much, ever since she started writing and it is thanks to the universe’s creator who encourages her always. She believes in the Almighty God and that he lives as Qamata. She was raised with ancestral beliefs, which are great to her for she knows it is unique and she knows her forefathers are the ones helping her communicate with God.
On the 26th of May was Africa Day.
To her, Africa is her mother and also mother to many other children. It’s a beautiful tree with a unique blend and deep roots and it should be told to other children the story of being umAfrika. It should unite as one to bring it’s beautiful branches together and create one colourful tree. Describing herself as an African woman: “Nditshotshile, ndabholorha, ndasina, ndaty’izabetha, (so-called wild fig) amakhwene nengwenye (so-called strawberry), namanqunube... So many things I can tell describing my Africanism including my family tree.”
She is inspired by every poet and musician, for she knows each word written down has it’s own value and meaning, and the fact that they write or sing about and how they do it is what she didn’t think about so she respects that. to other artists, she says; “The beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.”, so if you believe that what you’re doing is good or right, you’ll represent it perfectly.
Stop being a self-doubter and I tell you, Risk taking is the secret to your success, also Perseverance is a key to success.
What I have contributed to FreeRiddim:
POEMS |
Do I?
I Don't Need You
Ndinguye
Townships |
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