IMAGINE

Imagine nations embracing the Spirit of Ubuntu
Not only in words that escape
From our exhaled breaths
But also in our actions and interactions,
A world where this spirit blossoms
Like the brightest star,
Regardless of seasons, feelings and solar systems,
And our social behaviour meets its satisfaction.

Imagine men of different ethnicities,
Religions, beliefs and value systems,
Unlearning traditions that profusely perpetuate
Misguided paradigms on masculinity,
Men choosing to start using their privilege
To advance women emancipation
While reconnecting our social constructs
To the universal bond that connects all of humanity.

 Imagine women of different ethnicities,
Religions, beliefs and value systems,
With unconditional freedom to grow and maintain
Their natural crowns on top of their fertile minds,
Freedom to exist without fear
And in their own shade of skin
While glowing brighter than rainbows.
Nothing can match our Creator’s palette used for mankind.

Imagine an eclectic generation
Not only proud of their respective cultures
But also proud of cultural diversity,
And willing to create synergies at all traditional intersections.
A generation freed from the shackles of racism, tribalism, and xenophobia
While clothed in love, peace, joy, and respect,
Embracing native and neighbours’ tongues
like ululations that embrace the atmosphere,
While living and working together as one, with only good intentions.

This is not just a poem,
But a generation’s imagination,
Resting in our hands.

© Thuthukani Ndlovu 2020

MY HERITAGE MY PRIDE

Here are the words I kept inside.
Words I have longed to roar into the sky.
That between the mountains and the sea lies the spirit of humanity.
Between the valleys and the green fields lies the fertile land.
Behind our dark skin lies an African child.
Beneath that kinky hair lies a beautiful brain.
Behind that traditional foods and ancient tales lies unity.
Behind the smiles and the laughter lies the purest love.
I am an African child proud of herself, proud of her tradition.
The pillar of strength and hope to the children. I'm the river that unites people and seed love.
I salute and I speak African languages and am proud of these languages ... because they are part of who I am.

Look at the mountains, the rivers, the sea, the hills, and the fields which all review the beauty of nature and the significant purpose of life. When I dress in those traditional attires, I hear these words, "Dear culture, my daughter, this is me – your mother Heritage".

I'd love to say that this is my Heritage, this is my Pride.

Written by Malehloa Kunyane

Vuka by Mbembino ft Thingo and K.Vague

This song is called Vuka by Mbembino (Siphe Mbembe) ft Thingo (Mthimkhulu Mafaesa) and K.Vague (Koketso Motaung). The artists on this song aimed to make a hip-hop record that not only infuses African melodies but one that was also rich in different African languages.