Hlayisani Antonette Shiburi also known by stage name N’wa Jika The Poet, Phyembye Ra Africa. She was born and bred in the dusty streets of Madobi Village under Collins Chabane Municipality in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province 33 years ago.
N’wa Jika The Poet, as she is affectionately known specialises in Xitsonga Poems. She uses Poetic moves to inspire and uplift the spirit of the young and old.
“I’m a Poet/praise poet, author, voice over artist, actress, entrepreneur and I’m a Qualified Electrician. Apart from all that I have mentioned, I am the founder of “Switirhela Ku Lulama” clothing brand which was Established in 2022.
“So far i’ve won the Ndebele Students Association Virtual Poetry Competition 2020/2021, Best Poet 2021/2022 Collins Chabane Night Of Fame First Annual Award and I’ve also won Best Poet Award at KADAWA.
“From this year going forward, I’m looking forward to win big awards like SATMAs. I’m a LIMA nominee for 2022 under Best Poet category. I got position 2 under Poetry Live Performance on the 31 March 2023 where I was representing South Africa in Botswana.” N’wa Jika said.
She will also be representating South Africa on the Poetry Session called Global Poetgasm Fiesta (Ghana). The event will be held virtually every first week of the month.
N’wa Jika The Poet has been featured to different SABC radio stations like Munghana Lonene FM, Capricorn FM, Ikwekwezi FM, Energy FM, also Community and online radios like, Mala FM, GCR, Eyethu, Vision FM, North FM, Mokopane FM, Makhado FM, Radio Turf, Flair FM, SABC TV, and DAILY THETHA among others.
News Papers and online platforms like DailySun, Mirror, Published Africa magazine, Herald News, Malamulele Express, Mathonsi Media, N’wamitwa Times, International Magazine (Listen to Africa Literature Magazine Botswana and Kenya).
“Through my praise Poetry, I’ve praised people like Mama Beka Ntsan’wisi, Tonic Chavalala, Solly Makamu, Arthur Zwane, Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu, Mayor of Collins Chabane Municipality and many more.
“I’m a published author of South African Anthology Poetic Minds Combined 2nd Edition Anthology, Loss ILahleko Anthology, Gondzo Ra Vutomi (Solo), Edulwini Anthology, Poetry For African Souls Anthology, Vusiwana I Baji Anthology, Ndzi Ta Fika (Solo).
“Two of these books are approved by Gauteng Department of Education for Secondary level, South African Anthology Poetic Minds Combined 2nd Edition and Gondzo Ra Vutomi.
“In 2022, I got Certificate of honor from Vision FM from Mbekwana under N’wamitwa Traditional Authority, MIA Creative Arts and Voninganani foundation. On the 05th of February 2023, I was honored by Jaji Secondary School.
“I’ve been also featured by artists like, Matimu Macevele, Makhisa Herbert Maluleke, Boti Makhahlele, Tipro Music, Boti Wa Hembhe and Peter Magolongondlo Bila just to mention a few.
“I’m also appointed by Department Of Water And Sanitation (Baswa Le Metse) Gauteng Province to be their adjudicator during the provincial competitions, also do mentoring for National Competition to all the schools won.
“All in all I would like to thank the almighty God for the gift he gave me from birth. I thank my parents for the support through everything I do more especially my mom, Mhani Lovisa no words will describe how much I love you. Not forgetting my supporters from all social media platforms, I love you all my people, N’wa Jika is growing because of you, thank you so much.
“When I look at myself on a mirror I see the image of someone who’s very proud of her culture.
“Let your smile change the world, don’t let the world to change your smile, let the village girl shine” Hinkwaswo Switirhela Ku Lulama.” She concludes.
