Ntombi ya Mutsonga was one of the artists who performed at President Ramaphosa's inauguration.
In 2020, Ntombi ya Mutsonga became the first Tsonga praise poet to guide a Presidential State of the State address.
The poet was honoured when he was invited to recite a poem at President Cyril Ramaphosa's inauguration ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Wednesday.
“I am truly grateful and honoured to have been selected as the official hymn poet for the 2024 Presidential Inauguration. No one and nothing can convince me. God lives,” Ntumbi ya Mutsonga wrote on social media.
Follow Getting ready 🙂 Best of luck 🥹🇿🇦
♬ Mapho Fezeka – French Fuse
Among the performers at Nelson Mandela's inauguration in 1994 were Abdullah Ibrahim, composer Ustadhravi Iseli and the rap collective Prophets of Da City.
Ntombi ya Mutsonga was one of the artists who performed at President Ramaphosa's inauguration for his second term.
Just two months ago, the poet, whose real name is Masingita Shivambu, recited a poem for President Ramaphosa at a ceremony marking 30 years of democracy. She will also perform at the 2023 BRICS summit.
Related article: Shava, Makhazi and others perform at presidential inauguration
Presidential inauguration attendees
Other artists performing included Shava, Vicky Sampson, traditional singer Nothembi Mkhwebane and gospel singer Lebo Sekgobela.
Faithful God!!!
It was truly an honor! #Inauguration2024 pic.twitter.com/C4quu7TmIR
— Lebo_sekgobela (@SekgobelaLebo) June 19, 2024
Zoe Modiga, who performed with the Mzansi National Orchestra, We are growing-This song was the theme song for Shaka Zulu's first TV series.
This is a cover of the Margaret McInghana classic by Zoe Modiga and the Mzansi Philharmonic. pic.twitter.com/Bzb0MTooUx
— Bangamuraba (@aycawe) June 19, 2024
The performance was conducted by Chad Hendricks and featured saxophonist Calendra Devloop.
“The Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra is honoured to be part of this momentous event in the nation's history,” enthused the orchestra's CEO and Artistic Director, Bongani Thembe, ahead of the performance.
The Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra was officially launched on 14 July 2022 as an initiative of the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture.
The orchestra receives an annual grant of about R20 million from the government and is made up of up to 110 part-time musicians drawn from local orchestras, universities and freelance musicians.
Nyaro, uzongibona Nyaro! Fela Owakuwami Ufete Ingadlangadla #Inauguration2024 pic.twitter.com/MiXBTLQWqF
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) June 19, 2024
Since its inception, Mzansi NPO has undertaken two short national concert tours which included performances in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and Gqebela.
Singer Makhazi also attended the inauguration dressed in a suit.
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