Praise-singer Zolani Mkiva shares his journey with Madiba

For 13 years, Zolani Mkiva and the late Nelson Mandela travelled extensively together, sharing planes, meals and cups of tea as the praise-singer sang Mandela’s attributes, often dressed in animal skins and other traditional Xhosa clothing.

He has performed at many of the pivotal moments in Madiba's life — singing his praises at his release from prison in 1990 and at his inauguration as the country's first black president in 1994.

Reflecting on his journey with the former president, Zolani told Move!: "I was anxious and excited when I saw Tat'uMandela for the first time. Before I saw him I used to imagine what kind of a man he looked like."

Having been conferred the country's first 'imbongi yesizwe [the nation's praise-singer], he revealed that it all started when ANC leaders asked him to perform for Nelson Mandela upon his release from prison.

Since then, he has shared the stage with great leaders from all across the globe. An opportunity he was automatically afforded as Madiba's poet laureate.

"Growing up I never thought that as a rural boy, I would be recognised in South Africa."

Continuing to sing Madiba's praises, he explained that Madiba's sense of humility rubbed off on him.

"He made me understand that as a leader, it is important to know that you are a servant of the people."