Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
VETERAN author, poet and cultural activist Albert Nyathi has been honoured for his immense contribution in creating a society where culture is at the forefront through his unifying works.
“Being African”, an organisation that promotes and preserves diverse African cultures, recently honoured Nyathi in their project named “100 African Icon Series”.
Being African is a not-for-profit organisation focusing on preserving and teaching African cultures to people of African descent, and to all other people.
It’s president Gladys Jakachira said the idea behind the honorary awards are to ensure the African societies are able to continue their traditions in a unified manner.
“Our mandate is to connect Africans worldwide through sharing, embracing, preserving and celebrating diverse African cultures. Through a blend of educational content, we aim to promote and preserve the diversity and beauty of African traditions and languages for present and future generations,” she said.
“Our goal is to market them so that they get more collaborative opportunities. Our job is to uplift each other.”
Jakachira said they need the world to understand who they are and these 100 icons are simply a depiction of themselves.
“We are hoping people will be excited about who these people are and then start looking for them for collaborations.
The talented poet-cum-musician, Nyathi is one of the first beneficiaries of the honours in the “100 African Icon Series”, with the project set to run throughout the course of year.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts Hub, Nyathi said it was heart warming to be identified among a sea of people in the continent.
“I am so humbled by this gesture — being chosen among millions of brilliant African people. I do not take this honour lightly. Yes, I have won awards and been honoured before, but this is beyond my imagination. Thank you so very much the executive of the Being African Global Community,” he said.
“I will live to cherish this honour. The pressure is now on me to prove that you were right in choosing me to be part of this honourable crop of 100 African Icons. I hereby promise to continue to deliver and make Africa proud, make you proud.”
Known for his anthem poem “Senzeni Na”, Nyathi is not stopping as he will on Sunday grace the stage at the Inkaba Cultural Festival that will be held in London on August 3 and in Birmingham on August 9.
Nyathi, who is already abroad, said he will bring his ‘A’ game to the stage
