Lukoko's album heralds new dawn for his poetry career

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A few years ago, an authentic new voice emerged on the poetry scene in Vhembe, and the poet's work blazed through the district and beyond the borders of Limpopo.

He was leaving a mark on the performance poetry industry that was much more like music. Soon people started to ask about the new poet, and this poet was, and still is, Lukoko – just that. He was born Ronewa Nengwenda and resides at Thenzheni village.

“I released some singles two years ago, but ever since then people have pestered me to record and release a full-length album, and this is exactly what I have done,” he said.

As a pupil, he had won numerous awards and cash prizes at the circuit, district and provincial level. On his previous singles, he had worked with the influential producer Hani Mutele.

His new poetry album, Lukoko, was released a fortnight ago, and it is receiving massive airplay on provincial radio stations. Lukoko comprises eight poems, which include Nyenenge, Ndi Rabela Murena, Mathada, Mbingano and Hot Love.

“Through my poetry, I try to send out messages of love, peace and unity,” he said. “I had worked with Hani Mutele as my producer for this poetry album, and all poems were recorded at Hi-note Recording Studio except the title poem, Lukoko. Working with Mutele is a blessing in itself, and it has rewards of its own to me as an artist.”

He is active on Facebook and can be phoned on 071 344 5935.

By: Tshifhiwa Mukwevho

Tshifhiwa Given Mukwevho was born in 1984 in Madombidzha village, not far from Louis Trichardt in the Limpopo Province. After submitting articles for roughly a year for Limpopo Mirror's youth supplement, Makoya, he started writing for the main newspaper. He is a prolific writer who published his first book, titled A Traumatic Revenge in 2011. It focusses on life on the street and how to survive amidst poverty. His second book titled The Violent Gestures of Life was published in 2014.