The first Xitsonga praise poet to usher the President at the State of the Nation Address was Ntombhi Ya Mutsonga in 2020.
After being asked to perform a poem at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration on Wednesday at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, the poet was filled with honour.
“Being chosen as the official Praise Poet for the Presidential Inauguration of 2024 makes me feel incredibly thankful and humbled. God exists, and nothing or no one can persuade me differently,” Ntombhi Ya Mutsonga posted on social media.
Among the performers during Nelson Mandela’s 1994 presidential inauguration were rappers Prophets of Prophets of Da City, composer Ustadravi Isseri, and Abdullah Ibrahim.
One of the performers at the start of Ramaphosa’s second term as the nation’s president was Ntombhi Ya Mutsonga.
The poet, whose true name is Masingita Shibambu, performed a poem in front of Ramaphosa during the 30 Years of Democracy Review as recently as two months ago. She was also a performer during the BRICS summit in 2023.
lineup for the presidential inauguration
The lineup also featured gospel singer Lebo Sekgobela, traditional singer Nothembi Mkhwebane, Sjava, and Vicky Sampson.
Zoë Modiga sung Margaret Singana’s We Are Growing, which serves as the theme song for the first Shaka Zulu TV series, while performing with the Mzansi National Orchestra.
Saraxophonist Karendra Devroop performed under the direction of Chad Hendricks.
Prior to the concert, Bongani Tembe, the chief executive and creative director of the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra, expressed his gratitude for being a part of this momentous day in the history of the country.
On July 14, 2022, the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture formally debuted the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra.
The orchestra is made up of up to 110 non-permanent musicians who are selected from provincial orchestras, colleges, and freelance musicians. It receives an annual funding from the government of roughly R20 million.
Since its founding, Mzansi NPO has performed in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, and Gqeberha as part of two quick national concert tours.
At the inauguration, singer Makhadzi was also present and looked amazing in her attire.
