It was a sad sad day when Sipho Mnyakeni, South African writer, poet, motivator, inspirational icon and educationist suddenly breathed his last in 2020. Mnyakeni was a veritable man of letters.
He
published a number of striking, thought-provoking books, including his debut
work, THE WINNING COMBINATION which was a stirring, quality compendium that
garnered praise across the board.
Lupna
Avery e.g wrote about the book:
"Strange
how these things happen. I never expected to have the chance to read this book
right here in west Africa, but I did. This is a very intelligent author and a
thinker; he can be critical in his analysis but all this is linked to what he
knows about life, and his motherland (South Africa). It is also clear that he
likes football a lot (unlike me), but that is neither here nor there. As for
the wonderful poems later on in the book, what can one say? There can be no
doubt that these poems can stand on their own as a mini-book. A remarkable
author..."
Raphael
Mokoena, an impressive man of letters himself, also commented:
"An
original, awe-inspiring work. The author covers a wide range of ideas geared to
forge ahead - and ends this book with remarkable poems that seem to go on and
on..."
Mnyakeni
did not disappoint with his next book,
titled, BLACK TENDENCIES. His
intellectual, analytical objective mien was again to the fore again. The book
illustrates how much he cares and ponders about the proliferating people of
Africa.
Ishmael
M. Soqaga, well known bibliophile and widely published critic, says: "It
was a horrific experience learning that a stratospheric bard like Mr. Mnyakeni
was gone... alas, we (Black) Africans tend to undermine ourselves as the late
Mnyakeni knew only too well. As a writer, he was polished, refined, innovative
and a visionary. His talent as a poet was such that he was easily one of the
best in Africa..."
Books by Sipho Mnyakeni
The Winning Combination
Black Tendencies
NTOMBAZANA: My Girl, Be
LOCKDOWN POETRY: Poets Ponder
What a Colossal loss. A great man.
ReplyDeleteA Splendid Icon. RIP.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful man, cerebral and genial to boot. A perfectionist who was a bacon for his race. An embodiment of quality in respect of arts and culture.
ReplyDeleteFine fine book, THE WINNING COMBINATION. Has everything
ReplyDeleteIt is good to see the gentleman being acknowledged and celebrated. I checked out some of his works on goodreads
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ReplyDeleteA TRUE MAN OF LETTERS. His topics are interesting, contemporary, and provoke introspection. He even writes for the young ones. A philosopher and thinker.
ReplyDeleteHere is how Mnyakeni's book, BLACK TENDENCIES, is described: 'This book exposes and attacks tendencies that are responsible for much of lack of growth amongst (my) people. It is not just on these tendencies, though it is designed to wake the black man from his slumber. The book is a comprehensive inspiration platform that explores topics ranging from excellence, dealing with tragedy, giants in the Promised Land, a God perspective to a successful life to the actual 10 tendencies that we have identified for demolition...' No doubt we can all learn from this!
ReplyDeleteI once had an opportunity to attend Mr Mnyakeni's live performance at Pacofs in Bloemfontein, where he did wonders in singing, reciting poems at the same and motivating people in attendance. Mr Mnyakeni will be solely missed..
ReplyDeleteTHANKS. He was a man of many parts, consummate, passionate.
DeleteA Distinguished Wordsmith. RIP.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt he was a thinker, a philosopher, a talented versifier. R.I.P.
ReplyDeleteAnother disheartening loss.
ReplyDeleteOur hearts go out to South Africans over this loss
ReplyDeleteAfrica is losing so many fine writers recently. What a pity
ReplyDeleteHis books should be in as many libraries and schools as possible
ReplyDelete