Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena Sunday Life Reporter
FOR young radio personality and MC, Teseletso “Ma Nnare” Matjaka, being selected to host the second edition of Pumula’s Got Talent (PGT) is more than just another gig, it is a moment that validates years of hard work and determination.
The talented Luzibo FM presenter will take centre stage as host of the talent search competition on July 18 in Pumula Old, where singers, dancers, poets, comedians, beatboxers and other performers from across Bulawayo will battle for top honours.
Still carving her own path in the entertainment industry, Ma Nnare views the opportunity as a significant milestone in a journey that began long before she stepped behind a microphone.
Speaking ahead of the event, she said being entrusted with the responsibility of guiding one of the city’s emerging talent platforms has given her renewed motivation to keep pushing her career forward.
“I’m incredibly excited and honoured to be hosting the second edition of Pumula’s Got Talent. This opportunity means a lot to me because it shows that people believe in my abilities and appreciate the work I’ve been doing.
“This is another step towards strengthening my career. Every platform I get allows me to grow, meet new people and showcase my skills. I’m grateful to Yellow World for believing in me,” said Ma Nnare.
Ma Nnare believes Bulawayo is overflowing with untapped talent and sees Pumula’s Got Talent as an important platform for young creatives seeking visibility and recognition.
“I cannot wait to see the talent that will be on display. Bulawayo has many gifted young people who simply need a platform to showcase what they can do. Pumula’s Got Talent gives them that opportunity.
“My message to every participant is to be confident and give their best performance. Being part of the talent search is already an achievement. I encourage each one of them to believe in themselves, enjoy the experience and let their talent speak,” she said.
The event resonates deeply with Ma Nnare because she sees herself in many of the contestants. Like them, she is still building her career and understands the importance of having people who are willing to open doors for emerging talent.
Her journey into broadcasting and event hosting traces back to her days at Saint Matthias High School in Manicaland, where she regularly emceed school functions and cultural activities. A turning point came when a senior student entrusted her with running the school’s entertainment desk, helping her discover her confidence in front of audiences.
The spark grew stronger during her industrial attachment at a local radio station in 2023, where she realised that broadcasting and hosting were more than hobbies, they were her calling. Since then, she has steadily built her profile, embracing every opportunity as a learning experience and a stepping stone towards her ambitions.
Her growing résumé includes hosting several community and arts events, among them the Kings and Queens Concert held during this year’s Bulawayo Arts Festival (BAF).
As the countdown to Pumula’s Got Talent continues, Ma Nnare has a simple message for aspiring creatives: trust the process and remain focused on personal growth.
“There’s nothing wrong with being inspired by other people’s achievements, but don’t pressure yourself to follow someone else’s journey. Everyone has their own path and their own time to succeed.
“Work with what you have, stay consistent and keep believing in yourself. Success does not happen overnight, but if you remain committed to your dream, your opportunity will come,” she said.
Now in its second edition, Pumula’s Got Talent is spearheaded by creative outfit Yellow World and is open to singers, poets, beatboxers, dancers, comedians and performers from across the artistic spectrum.
Focused on uncovering hidden talent in Bulawayo’s high-density suburbs, the initiative provides emerging creatives with a platform to showcase their abilities and gain much-needed exposure.
Yellow World director Mentor Dlamini said the project is aimed at empowering young people through the arts while nurturing grassroots talent.
“Pumula’s Got Talent is designed to empower young people by focusing on grassroots arts. While this edition is being held in Pumula, our broader vision is to take the platform to every suburb in Bulawayo, giving each community an opportunity to showcase its finest talent,” said Dlamini.
The inaugural edition was held at Pumula South Community Hall last year and was hosted by Umnikazi Wempuphu and Bongie Diamond. The judging panel featured respected arts practitioners Saimon “Mambazo” Phiri, Thando
Ndlovu and Simbongeni Ncube, with Creative Culxure emerging as the first winner.
