PRAISE POET, EARTHIZEN’s AWARD HONARY POET PROSPERITY THE PRIDE OF HER PEOPLE ON CENTER STAGE
Prosperity Melinda Mpofu
By: Themba Emanuel Mashobane
themba.mashobane@gmail.com
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The role of praise poetry in African social expression it is vital because praise poetry is conserving and transmit social consciousness, while simultaneously entertaining the audience it is the spiritual healing. It goes with touching emotions deep expression where individual will find themselves inside the poet voice. It is kind of salutation to the great or lovely ones.
What is your real full names and surname?
My name is Prosperity Melinda Mpofu.
Where are you coming from?
I was born in Zimbabwe, Plumtree town and I stayed in Zimbabwe for 12 years. From 13 years, I have been staying in South Africa, where I am currently based.
What do you stand for?
I stand for love, peace, humanity, equality, kindness and ubuntu amongst the people.
When did you start as the poet?
I started in 2010 May when I was doing grade 5.That is when the journey of reciting praise poems commenced.
Which woman is your star?
My late mother is my star, Fihliwe Mpofu because if I remember vividly, she used to be a poet too. She once recited a poem for me in front of the whole school assembly. That was when I was in grade 2 and I had got the first position in all grades.
Who is your mentor?
Obert Dube The African Poet from Zimbabwe is my mentor.
Why is praise so powerful?
A praise poem is so powerful because it uses positive words to describe a person or an abstract thing and that gives one power and positive energy when performing.
What kinds of praise poems you recite so far?
I recite African praise poems, Women praise poems, heroes praise poems, teachers praise poems, birthday praise poems, mother, sister, brother, father praise poems.
How many top women have you admiral on your poems?
I have written and recited for 5 women. My mother, my grandmother, Servant Anthea Thyssen, Charity Sizani Tshuma, A Zimbabwean woman who is a CEO of Mangako Beauty Academy. She is changing people’s lives by teaching and finding jobs for her students. I have additionally written and recited for Mzwakhe Mbuli the People’s poet, Obert Dube the African Poet and the Kenyan Professor PLO Lumumba on their birthdays
You did many of surnames praises which makes you more smarter black African praise poet, please tell us who teaches you various praise surnames?
I love reciting clan praises because I am an African and I love to embrace my culture. It is part of African culture to do clan praises and I feel like It is my duty as a poet to remind my people about our origins as Africans. I actually teach myself through research on the internet and verifying whether the clan names are correct on the elders.
Who writes poems for you?
I, Prosperity am the author of my poems.
There are written poems that can’t be performed, how do you go to write a poem that can be easy recited, what are the techniques of writing a performance poem?
I write performance poems as if I am talking or a addressing the audience. I write using rhyming words to create rhythm. I use repetition of words or lines several times so that I grab the attention of the audience. I further write to pause so that It can create tension.
Does your dress code have an impact on doing good on stage?
YES, my dress code does have an impact on doing good on stage hence I wear long dresses most of the times when performing because they are comfortable and help me move freely. My dresses give me more energy when performing, especially praise poems. If it’s not a long dress then it has to be a trouser that is not too tight because I love action when reciting.
Do you dress for a particular poem or you just dress your African style?
I usually dress my African style but if it is required that I dress for a particular poem then I do.
Which poem title you would like to share?
On this women’s month, I have written a praise poem for women titled : Let us give them a round of applause.
If someone want to reach you where can get hold of you?
If anyone wants to reach Prosperity The Pride of her People, they can search me on Facebook: Prosperity Melinda Mpofu , YouTube-Prosperity The Pride of her People , Instagram Prosperity Melinda Mpofu and tiktok Prosperity Mpofu.
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