LIMPOPO – In the heart of Nkuri village, a young man is capturing hearts and commanding stages with nothing more than a mic, charisma, and his infectious signature phrase, “Ya cina zebra!”

Miyelani Mahlaule, a spirited and passionate entertainer, has become a familiar face at Xitsonga cultural festivals and local concerts across the province.

While his interest in performing sparked at an early age, it was not until 2020 that he officially stepped into the spotlight as an MC. Since then, he has not looked back.

Driven by a deep love for Tsonga music and culture, Miyelani’s voice has become a bridge between artists and audiences, bringing energy, humour, and authenticity to every event he hosts.

Whether he is addressing a lively crowd at a festival or entertaining guests at a local wedding, Miyelani’s presence is magnetic. He has a way of reading the room and turning up the energy with just one line, “Ya cina zebra!”, or playfully switching it depending on what his audience is wearing.

“It’s about fun, but also making people feel seen and involved,” he says. “When I say it, people respond. It brings a vibe.”

Mahlaule credits local legends like Greater Gagash, one of Limpopo’s most respected MCs, for inspiring him to chase this path.

“Gagash showed us that you can be yourself, speak your language, and still shine bright,” he explains.

He also draws motivation from Xitsonga musician J. John, whose artistry has shaped Tsonga music.

Miyelani’s journey has not been without its challenges. Breaking into the entertainment scene from a rural village is not easy, especially with limited resources and platforms. But with unwavering dedication and his natural flair for performance, he’s steadily building a name for himself.

Looking ahead, Mahlaule dreams of sharing stages with big-name artists and becoming one of South Africa’s most sought-after MCs.

“I want people to hear ‘Miyelani is hosting’ and know the show is going to be fire,” he concludes.