Langa Mabena
Langalakhe Mabena
A poetry gem in the name of Prayer Sibanda has become a sensational discovery for the Zimbabwean culture and performing industry, as she has the ability to recite exciting ballads at a tender age of eight.
Born and bred under Chief Sibasa in Singwango, Insiza, Filabusi, Matabeleland South province, Prayer –a grade three pupil at Singwango 1 primary school was discovered by veteran model and instructor Sipho Mazibuko.
The young poetess was given a platform to perform at the auditions of the Miss Rural Zimbabwe pageant at the Matabeleland South auditions which were held on 27 September.
Her presence on stage charmed many including Mazibuko who described Prayer’s style as “flawless.” Since then, Mazibuko has adopted Prayer and she will be groomed and nurtured under her wing. Mazibuko will also ensure that the young poetess also gets booked and secure gigs for performances.
B-Metro caught-up with Prayer and compiled this profile.
Q: Briefly tell us about yourself and your background?
A: My name is Prayer Sibanda. I was born in 2018 in Filabusi. I live in Silalatshani in Insiza with both my parents. At home, there are five children and I am the last born. I learn at Singwango 1 Primary and I am doing grade three.
Q: When did you discover your talent in poetry and who is your inspiration?
A: My sister Sdudla inspired me to do poetry because I admired her writing poems and reciting them in front of me during her set of practice.
This made me fall in love with her craft as I was always excited to see her rehearsing. She then inspired me to write my own poems like Mother Africa – which is about encouraging women to empower each other and fight emancipation. I owe a lot to my sister because she is the one who guides me in my writing and stage management, as well as my teacher Mr N Dube.
Q: How did performing at the Miss Rural Zimbabwe auditions change your life?
A: I really enjoyed performing at the pageant. At first, I was shy because it was my first time to do this in front of judges but with time, I gained confidence. The experience changed my life because Sipho Mazibuko saw me and pledged to guide my craft.
I have managed to perform and earned myself US$100, which I will use to pay for my school fees for the whole of next year. Some of the money I will get when I am hired for performances will help at home since my parents are unemployed.
Q: Where do you see poetry taking you in the next ten years or so?
A: People always tell me that artistes board aeroplanes to go and perform in other countries like the United States of America. As a girl from the rural area, it is also my dream to fly and see the world. I also want to perform in front of the president.
Q: Besides poetry, what else are you good at?
A: I am an athlete. Besides running I am also good at throwing the javelin. This year, I managed to reach the provincial levels of the athletics competitions, as I was chosen to represent my district, Insiza.
Online Reporter