[Image: Pexels]
As has been tradition since the dawn of our young democracy, 19-year-old Imbongi, Inako Mateza, took centre stage at SONA yesterday to welcome the President to the festivities.
The praise poet did a great job and sang Ramaphosa’s praises through song and dance, referencing his personal history, clan, and family lineage.
But the moment took a funny turn when the youngster from Ludiza Village in the Eastern Cape slipped in a reference to the President’s nickname: Cupcake.
The English nickname rang clear as a bell in between the isiXhosa, and everyone had a good laugh while Ramaphosa could only smile. It was a sweet and funny moment amongst all the sombre pomp. Check it out:
@weekendargus Praise singer refers to President Cyril #Ramaphosa as “Cupcake” – is met with laughter at #Sona. Armand Hough #southafricatiktok ♬ original sound – WeekendArgus
Mateza told SAnews she was ecstatic about being chosen to be the Imbongi at this year’s SONA.
“Being chosen as an imbongi to welcome the President in Parliament means a lot to me because, firstly, I’m a young person who embraces culture and tradition at a time when young people are focused and celebrated for amapiano music. So, for me being the imbongi that will be welcoming President Cyril Ramaphosa makes me feel ecstatic.”
Well played Mateza, please come back next year.
[Source: IOL]
