I go way back with this talented lady. Way back to even the days of my primary school days.

She was always good with words and languages even during those school days. Now, she has grown and established herself as an artist who is all about the spoken word. Her rise to the creative arts comes as no shock to me and I am ecstatic that she found her own and is striving to grow that potent brand of hers. Noluthando ‘Thando The Poet’ Buthelezi’s creativity is revealed through the passion, time and dedication she puts into her craft and at every performance.

I celebrate this up and coming poet from my hood who is going places. A person who is as graceful as her work. An artist who is technically sound and knows her audience, calling and direction. A woman who taught me what friendship is when I was too young to even interrogate the thought. A lady who is a supporter of my own work and someone who has taught me to ‘have a plan with the writing vision of mine’.

I celebrated & continue to boast about her work and all that she stands for as part of my Day 23 post of my women’s month appreciation series. I wish her courage and strength for the great career and success ahead of her.

Day 23 of my Women’s Month Appreciation series and today I pay a special tribute to a person who I have known since our primary school days, a woman whose life and achievements embody the word ‘talent’ in all forms and ways.

This special lady is making me reminisce of the good old days where motivating one another at school was our ultimate goal. I must say, your intellect is also very intimidating and your mind, a treasure. I never, not even the slightest, got suprised at you emerging as a professional poet who is really making a name for herself out there. You were always, even from those early days at school, a words wizard.

I have seen your progress, growth and maturity over the years and it really attests to what a strong character you have always been. My Pokemon Tazzo partner and champ.

I see you are doing wonders there at Rainbow FM 90.7,a local Christian radio station geared towards spreading the good news, the word and hope to the world. How moving it is to be associated with such a brand that means and contributes so much for the development of the community. Current Host of The Christian News TV on Youtube. Another awesome tale from Soweto’s very own, making their presence felt to the world.

I am very proud of you, your hustle, achievements, milestones and the journey you are embarking on. A journey of soulful connections, words and creating memorable radio moments. For showing what ambition, creativity, hardwork and talent can lead to. Today, I celebrate you.

You are awesome, continue shining!

A very happy women’s month to you!

#WritingIsAnArt

#SpokenWordQueen

Noluthando Buthelezi