Loliwe: an introduction to S.E.K. Mqahyi

isiXhosa version

Samuel Edward Krune Mqhayi (1875-1945) is arguably the most prolific Xhosa writer and historian of his time. It is not only in the quality and quantity that we can measure his contribution but also in the care with which he handled his narratives, his daring attitude that pushed against the grain of both missionary and colonial administration attitudes, his unrelenting truth-speaking and the centering of his people, their experiences and their philosophies in his work.

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Eulogies of two chiefs: voice recordings of S.E.K. Mqhayi from the 1930s

In the mid-1970s, more than 30 years after S.E.K. Mqhayi passed away, Rudolf Schwarz of Radio Bantu in Qonce (King Williams Town) brought to light a 78rpm Columbia recording containing two izibongo, or eulogies, by Mqhayi of prominent amaXhosa chiefs from the 1930s. The two sides of the recording comprise almost 14 minutes of poetry recital by Mqhayi. These are the only known recordings of his voice to survive. The first izibongo is titled A! Silimela while the second one is A! Velile!

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“The Poet”: portrait of S.E.K. Mqhayi?

This painting of a man in traditional dress has the title, The Poet inscribed on the reverse and is likely a portrait of Samuel Krune Mqhayi (1875-1945).

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S.E.K. Mqhayi’s life and writings: a timeline

Reaching back in time to the birth of S.E.K. Mqhayi’s grandfather and forward in time to the unveiling of his memorial in 1951, this timeline spans his past, his present and his future.

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CREDITS

FHYA would like to acknowledge the commitment of the Cory Library to making their holdings openly accessible and the generosity of their staff in making this presentation possible. Presentation prepared by FHYA in 2023, using materials collected by Sanele kaNtshingana in partnership with Cory Library. Archival curation prepared by Benathi Marufu with assistance from Debra Pryor. Visual curation, page design, and development by Vanessa Chen with assistance from Studio de Greef. Technical support provided by Hussein Suleman. Written content produced by Sanele kaNtshingana and Steven Kotze. Editorial and conceptual support by Carolyn Hamilton. A special project for the development of the isiXhosa components of the presentation was undertaken by Sanele kaNtshingana, Hleze Kunju and Benathi Marufu. Our presentations are archived here. If you wish to make a contribution, use this link.

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EMANDULO

EMANDULO is an experimental digital platform, in ongoing development, for engaging with resources pertinent to southern African history before colonialism across what is today eSwatini, KwaZulu-Natal, Lesotho, and the Eastern Cape.

Online from: 7 August 2023