Isixhosa activists pay tribute to mentor Koyo in book form

Eastern Cape isixhosa activists have paid tribute to the late language activist Bulelani Koyo, through a book, for the positive impact he had on the arts and culture sector.

In memory of Koyo, the group of authors have come together to honour him, painting a picture of who he was and how much he was loved in language spheres.

Koyo was a gospel artist and Umhlobo Wenene FM radio presenter well known in choral circles.

He died last year at Gqeberha after battling liver cancer for some time.

While some knew him for his passion in radio and choral choirs, others appreciated the love he had for his native language, isixhosa.

This was one of the reasons these authors came together and penned a book titled Ezinye Iingcambu Azifi Kuphele, which directly translates to “Some roots never completely die”.

The newly published book of poems has been handed over to Koyo’s family, with all its rights belonging to them.

The vision came from Olwethu Mjakuca, an author who also works in correctional services, and was supported by Yamkela Ntwalana, who works as a teacher.

When they invited authors who might want to join this initiative, about twelve accepted the offer.

Those who joined the call included Mzoli Mavimbela, Nkuthula Tyuthulo, Landisile Magwaxaza, Mandlakayise Mfanta, Iviwe Mathe, Nompumelelo Buzani, Andisa Mbali, Mihlali Blackie, Yonela Sidlai and Ezile Zagagana.

Mjakuca said they were moved by the positive impact Koyo had when it came to arts and culture.

“We were touched by the impact the artist had when it came to preservation of the arts and culture, as well as awakening young writers and encouraging them to not give up on the books they had written.”

He said Koyo was one of the best leaders and deserved to be given bouquets for the role he had played in the industry.

“We saw leadership in him and that has motivated us to carry on as young authors.

“He noticed us and the talent that we had.

“When Koyo passed away, we could not keep silent. We had hope that he would have an impact and now that he is gone, we saw the need to honour him and keep his name alive by penning this book.”

He said there were some poems explaining what Koyo had been like.

“We have a poem called Ilizwi lika Jotela, written by Mam’ Buzani, where she paints a picture to a learner who doesn’t know the iconic Koyo and those who knew him.”

“Another poem we have is titled Ezinye iingcambu azifi ziphele.”

He said that poem, written by Mavimbela, explains that the artist is gone, but he is still alive in the spiritual world.

Mjacula said after working hard to make sure they honoured their legend, they were happy to have accomplished their mission.

“We are happy because we had managed to preserve the history, and no one can erase the picture we painted of him.

“We have handed over the book to the family, thanking them for the opportunity they gave us through their child, and indeed roots never completely die,” he said.