By: Zukiswa Ndaba

A boy from the dusty streets of KwaMashu recited his way to a South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMA) nomination.

When Ndumiso Maphumulo, a Durban University of Technology student, discovered the poet in him with his first performance in 2004, he was only eleven years old.

This vibrant poet was born in KwaMashu and later relocated to Inanda township, where he discovered his love for poetry at Mandosi Primary School.

Maphumulo said the poet Zolani Ngubane has always been his inspiration. He said Ngubane visited his school to recite poems and encourage pupils to be creative and keep away from the streets.

“He brought out the poet in me,” said Maphumulo.

In 2005 while he was still in primary school, his principal helped him compile all his writings and poems.

He said when he reached high school he continued to nourish his creative mind by joining Creative Arts, a platform for all sort of artistic creativity at Mqhawe Secondary School.

Maphumulo seeks more than to entertain, as all his writings contain a lesson or two about issues affecting the society.

“I usually focus on violence against women because it is something that I was exposed to from a very young age,” said Maphumulo.

Dedication and humility have opened a lot of doors for this outspoken poet. In 2007 he went on air for the first time on Gagasi FM.

This ambitious poet continues to open doors for himself one stanza at a time.  Reciting about things that the society is afraid to talk about has earned him respect and a SATMA nomination.