IsiXhosa book pays tribute to late broadcaster

A book written in isiXhosa about the late Mhlobo Wenene FM presenter Bulelani Koyo has been published.

The title of this collection of poems is Ezinye Iingcambu Azifi Kuphele.

It contains various messages and honors Koyo for his contributions to the development of the language and writers, particularly isiXhosa speakers.

Koyo passed away in July of last year from liver cancer.

Aside from the Choir Music program, Koyo has participated in Book Reading, where he has read several books by isiXhosa authors such as Yamkela Ntwalana and Mzoli Mavimbela.

This book was written by a group of twelve writers.

“Mjakuca (one of the writers) made the decision to write it after learning of Koyo’s death. He spoke privately with Ntwalana and called on poets to come together and write poems about Koyo on Facebook.

“It began when these writers formed a WhatsApp group to communicate, Mavimbela edited it, and Tyutulo published it after they collaborated with Mbulelo Ngewu to communicate with the family,” Mzoli Mavimbela, a writer and editor, told I’solezwe lesiXhosa.

Mavimbela stated that they were moved by the broadcaster’s influence and contribution to the arts and culture.

“He revived the spirit of young writers by not giving up on the books they wrote,” Mavimbela said of Koyo.

There are poems in this book such as Ilizwi likaJotela.

“This is a poem written by Buzani that paints and draws a picture for a reader who knows and does not know Koyo,” Mavimbela explained.

Ezinye iingcambu azifi kuphele is another poem in this collection.

“That is a poem written by Mavimbela that demonstrates or reveals that Koyo lives in spirit, without which this book would not have been written.”

Hamba akunani Jwarha, Uwile umthi oziqhamoqhamo, Kwabo baphoswe zizapholo, Uthando lokwenene, Imihla yokuphila kwethu, and other poems can be found in this book.

Olwethu L. Mjakuca, Mzoli Mavimbela, Nkuthalo Tyutulo, Yamkela Ntwalana, Landisile Magwaxaza, Mandlakayise Mfanta, Iwiwe Mathe, Nompumezo Buzani, Andisa Mbali, Mihlali Blackie, Yonela Sidlai, and Ezile Zagagana are among the authors.

“He did something very unusual by recognizing our books and giving them a chance. We couldn’t stay silent when we learned he had cancer and died. We were optimistic because we had already seen his amazing work. That is why we created the book, which will serve as a memorial to the life of this icon,” Mavimbela stated.

Those interested in getting this book should contact Pastor Ntsiki Koyo of the Koyo family at 072 322 6304.