The voice of Imbongi in Zolani Mkiva's poetry
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Date
2015-01
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University of Fort Hare
Abstract
Although there are some commentaries on Mkiva's creative oeuvre, there is a paucity of rigorous research into his poetic voice as a renowned public praise singer. This study analyse the voice of imbongi in Zolani Mkiva's poetry. Mkiva's poetry deals with issues that are significant in the well-being of the nation. The study focuses on the messages that his poetry communicates as well as the themes and subjects that he chooses to discuss. His message is portrayed through the themes and images he explores. Theoretically, this study is grounded in the materialist analysis of the Marxist theorist, Emmanuel Ngara, as portrayed in his book, /delogy and Form in African Poetry (1990). His theory speaks to certain core principles of African culture, for example, the heroic idiom and a firm belief in the ethically and socially instructive value of art. Chapter One introduces the study, outlining the background to the study, its aim and scope, method of research as well as the theoretical framework. It also consists of the literature review, the significance of the study and its limitations. Chapter Two reviews biographical details of Zolani Mkiva to probe the influences behind his poetry. It focuses on his family, education, society, and his artistic achievements. Chapter Three focuses on the theme of protest in Mkiva's poetry. It analyses poems, such as "UMbombayi", "Mbambe Lubobo" and "Guya", to highlight issues that threaten South Africa's fledgling democracy. Chapter Four explores the theme of patriotism that pervades Mkiva's poetry. It displays his love for. the Xhosa nation, South Africa and the African continent at large. "God Bless Africa", "lncoyane", "Phambili Ngomanyano" and "'Ze Nilibambe Lingatshoni" are the poems examined to establish the patriotic voice in Mkiva's poetry. Chapter Five discusses the theme of revolution, one of the major themes in African literature. It examines praises on three revolutionary leaders, namely, Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma. These leaders were involved in the struggle for liberation and two of them had an opportunity of leading this country in its democratic era while the other is still in power.
Description
Masters Dissertation
Keywords
Xhosa poetry, Laudatory poetry, Xhosa(African people)
Citation
Makhenyane,L.E.The voice of Imbongi in Zolani Mkiva's poetry.Alice.University of Fort Hare.