“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). Widely recognised as the father of Xhosa poetry Mqhayi wrote numerous books of poetry and prose and is most known and celebrated for his authorship of several stanzas to Nkosi Sikelel’ I-Afrika (God Bless Africa) which was originally composed by Enoch Sontonga in 1927.”
“George Pemba met Mqhayi sometime in the late 1930s or early 1940s and the poet made a great impression on him. The artist often visited Mqhayi at his home near King William’s Town in the Eastern Cape. The two became firm friends and in 1941 Pemba completed a portrait of Mqhayi. The work was displayed in the gallery at what is now the University of Fort Hare (originally the South African Native College) and depicted Mqhayi in traditional Xhosa dress – as in The Poet painted nearly 20 years later in 1970.
Interestingly, Pemba painted a portrait of another prominent Xhosa intellectual in the 1970s, completing The Rev. John Knox Bokwe (late) in 1978. Bokwe (1855-1922) was a religious leader, educator, journalist, celebrated hymn writer and central figure in the foundation of the University of Fort Hare in 1916. Pemba himself was also a notable writer and penned at least two staged plays; The Story of Nonquase and Ntsikana, the Xhosa Prophet (1968). He was deeply interested in Xhosa history, mythology and literature and portraits of renowned individuals such as Mqhayi and Bokwe attest to his passion and the high regard he had for these early Xhosa literary figures.”
Celebrating Xhosa Heritage: George Pemba and S.E.K. Mqahyi in conversation with Lovedale Press at Aspire Art on 11 March 2023
A panel discussion between Sanele kaNtshingana, Dr. Athambile Masola, and Anelisa Mangcu, chaired by Phillipa Duncan, to discuss the history of isiXhosa publications published by Lovedale Press in the context of George Pemba’s portrait titled “The Poet” (1970), which is believed to depict S.E.K. Mqhayi.
You can view the panel discussion about this painting that took place on 11 March 2023 at Aspire Art on their Instagram.
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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.