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Yvonne Ncube, Showbiz Reporter
MULTI-TALENTED poet King KG (real name Mthulisi Ndlovu) was on Saturday honoured with an Honorary Literary Award at the Global African Authors Awards for his book Ubuntu (The Raw Truth Unveiled).

The awards were held in Sandton, South Africa last Saturday.

The 51-page poem has been dubbed the longest poem ever published in Zimbabwe as well as the world publishing records.
In an interview, King KG who took up his literary calling at the age of 15 and with peer encouragement, rose through the ranks to become one of the youngest epic poets to ever emerge on a global scale, said he is humbled by the global endorsement.

“The book being awarded with a Global Honorary Literary Award proves beyond doubt that indeed, there’s nothing impossible with God and nothing is impossible if you have faith in yourself,” said the poet.

Presenting a synopsis of the 51-page book, King KG said: “Ubuntu (The Raw Truth Unveiled) poem unravels the raw truth about present-day socio-economic and socio-political realities. The book encourages people around the globe to embrace each other and overlook their ethnic differences.

“It also seeks to highlight the need for unity and respect between all people. Above all, it speaks on the beauty of unity and Ubuntu among all people. The poem is arranged in short stanzas, each of them exploring different aspects of human society and how people relate to one another or should relate to one another.”

The writer extended his gratitude to all those who have supported his works.

“Special thanks to the Ubuntu Afro-publishers team, TROVOCO, Poets and Writers Den, Gourd of Consciousness and my family. I’d also like to appreciate Marshal Chiza for typesetting the award-winning book and CMG Solutions for the outstanding book cover design that got people’s tongues wrangling.

“This book was dedicated to my late grandmother who brought me up and accordingly, this award is fit to be in honour of her great effort and love that she moulded me with,” he said.

Over the years, the contemporary academic writer and poet has contributed significantly to indigenous academic literature. He writes proficiently in isiNdebele, English, TjiKalanga, Shona, Zulu and German Deutsch.

Other than this award-winning book, he also penned a long “one poem one book” poem in IsiNdebele titled uBuntu Nqaba Ngqo (uBuntu above all) that was published under African Sketches. He also co-authored two poetry anthologies titled Imbongi ZikaMthwakazi and Izinkondlo ezinhlobonhlobo under Zimbabwe Publishing House (ZPH).

King KG, whose aim is to impart his knowledge to others is already nurturing up-and-coming poets through his Poets and Writers Den.

“I’m the founder and president of a creative hub called Poets and Writers Den through which I groom and nurture other young creative writers around the world.”

He said these efforts have triggered and gained support from literary legends like Albert Nyathi, Naison Twala, Desire Moyoxide, Njabulo Moyo and Philani A Nyoni. He has also worked with the legendary playwright, Cont Mhlanga, renowned historian Pathisa Nyathi and motivational speaker Njabulo Moyo among other prominent and up-and-coming artistes around Africa.

“Apart from writing and arts, I am also a passionate philanthropist. I founded Thee Roots Voluntary Charity Trust (TROVOCO) that exists to alleviate the plight of less privileged children. The organisation has assisted hundreds of urban and rural-based children.

“TROVOCO has partnered with various Zimbabwean orphanages and has been taking part in national causes like the Cyclone Idai disaster and applying for scholarships for impoverished children.”

The fourth edition of the Global African Authors Awards was held under the theme “Unlock the stories in Africa”. The awards celebrate, honour and recognise high achievement from within the African Diaspora community. — @SeehYvonne.