Sijadu kaPotelwa

Sijadu kaPotelwa is a Praise Poet, a musician, a recording artist, an author, a presenter, Public speaker and an aspiring actor. Sijadu was born in a dusty rural area called Bolotwa, Dutywa in the former homeland called Transkei. Sijadu is the 3rd child in a family of five, Sintu, Siphenkosi, Sijadu, Anele then the female lastborn Nosipho. Sijadu grew up at Bangweni Location, small vicinity within Bolotwa Administrative area.

He started doing praise singing at the tender age of 11 whilst herding his father's flock of sheep and goats. He grew up very fond of herding the flocks, although he didn't put much focus as an imbongi. Sijadu was very much focused on his studies instead of being an imbongi. "Mbongi" was his nickname given to him by his father Zandisile Magrubhuza Potelwa, he is known as mbongi within the family and the community at large.

At Junior and High school levels, he suppressed the gift and never revealed it as he was much more focused to his studies. The gift emerged when he was at university level, he couldn't hide it anymore as it happened spontaneously performing in events organized. He did perform for great leaders and other respected people around the country such former State & ANC President Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki(Africa Arise Summit 2011, Vista Campus, Bloemfontein), current State & ANC President Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma(Charlotte Maxeke lecture, 2012, UFS main campus), Free State Premeir Ace Magashule(2011, ANC Youth Rally in Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein and 2012, State of Province Address), UFS (Kovsie) 2012 Autumn Graduations,2012 collaborated with Free State recording artist Ntshiuwa during the Macufe Annual Arts Festival in the main event, etc, to name but a few.

Sijadu is a household name in this sphere. He has been recently feature during the Old Mutual National Choir Festival in an African Piece performed by Kopano Chorus on 21 September 2014, Sunday, UJ (Soweto) campus.

Sijadu's mentor who happens to also be his inspiration, is the legendary herself, Jessica Mbangeni, her clan names Nokhala, Gubevu, Tiba, Jiyane, Mamaduna.......hailing from Nqamakwe, Eastern Cape. Sijadu affirms that, "where he is thus far, credit should be directed where it's due, that is through the assistance and motivations by Jessica Mbangeni"

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