Meet Sonkomose: A star poet, actress and dancer

Musawenkosi Moyo

Lyndah Sithole (27) popularly known as “Sonkomose” from Pelandaba West in Bulawayo is a vibrant praise poet, dancer and actress who has made a name for herself through her poems which aim to help people understand their culture and origin.

She is also a performer in one of Bulawayo’s renowned music and dance groups Sunduza which she has been a member of since 2015.

Sonkomose said that her journey in the arts began when she was only ten years old in 200, when she was asked to recite a poem at her mother’s wedding and a relative’s 21st birthday.

She stated that her poetry is greatly influenced by her role models which include poetess and teacher Sthandazile Dube also known as Um’Africakazi, the late Mzansi poetry goddess Jessica Mbangeni and Melinda Prosperity.
Sonkomose said in recent years, she has been able to perform at some international and local events which has enabled her to be recognised both locally and internationally.

“I have been able to perform at various festivals in South Africa such as the Makanda Arts Festival, KwaMashu Cultural Exchange and locally I have performed in events such as Intwasa Arts Festival, British Council Culture week, US Embassy showcase and also at weddings and other functions,” she said

“I have had the honour to work with some legends and upcoming artistes such as Bafana Dladla, Raisedon Baya, Philip Weiss ,Maluka and Ugagisa,” she said.

She has also won a number of awards including the Best Female Poet at the Pumula Royal Arts and Community Awards in 2021 and Outstanding Spoken Word Poet of the Year on Red Carpet Awards 2023.

Sonkomose said that her best work was a poem she did at the SoCreate Summit where she did the official vote of thanks and poetry interlocks.

She urged budding artistes to take their art work together and create their own niche to be able to make a business of their work.

“There is power in collaboration and they must be true to themselves, above all poetry is business so every element of business must be applied,” she said.