Oxide Jnr to perform in Hollywood

Langalakhe Mabena
AFTER emerging as the youngest poet Bulawayo has ever seen, rocking big stages at the tender age of nine, Methembe a�?Oxide Juniora�? Moyo, is set to take his talent to Hollywood next year in July after having a successful audition at the Zimbabwe Championships of Performing Arts (Zicopa).

The auditions which were held at the Bulawayo Theatre last month with Arts practitioners Albert Nyathi, Kudzai Sevenzo and Simon Mambazo Phiri as the judges, singled out Oxide Junior as a special talent after he dished out his poetic ballad titled a�?Hmmn Ngiyasolaa�?, a piece which saw him rise to fame after he performed it at the opening ceremony of this yeara��s prestigious Bulawayo Arts Awards.

When the B-Metro crew visited the rare poetic gem at Sigombe Primary school in Nkulumane, the shy youngster, who is also doing well at school, expressed joy at being selected as one of the talented young artistes that will represent Zimbabwe at the World Championship of Performing Arts, a competition held annually in Hollywood.

a�?I didna��t know that poems could take me around the world and Ia��m happy that I will board an aeroplane to represent my country in the United States of America,a�? said Methembe.

The head of the school Mrs Khumalo described Methembe as a determined character who balances his academic work and poetry. Despite his celebrity status, Methembe is just that cool kid who doesna��t brag about his achievements as he treats his classmates as equals.

a�?Methembe is a brilliant pupil who is determined to succeed in everything he does. He is one of the best pupils in his grade four stream. I am very proud that there are people who identified such a great talent. To represent Zimbabwe in Hollywood at his age is a great achievement. He is destined for greatnessa�?, said Mrs Khumalo.

The Zicopa competition was held countrywide discovering arts talent. Other young performers who will represent Zimbabwe alongside Methembe are Kelly Midlane, Thulani Nzozo, Daniel Lasker, Hazel Chauke and Yolanda Elizabeth.

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