Imbongi

An imbongi is traditionally a male who recites emotive poetry, sings, explains family relationships, re-tells historical events and comments on current affairs.

Unlike 'home' iimbongi, the mine imbongi had no special social standing because their activities were largely informal and unofficial.

[2][3] An imbongi is often a member of the welcoming party on royal visits, and as such, is referred to as "the poet who walks before any great chief".

[2] The imbongi is permitted to criticize communities, use suggestive language, and make outrageous statements that are normally regarded as unacceptable for the average Xhosa man.

The imbongi's performance style is generally aggressive and intimidating, and may include brandishing spears or fighting sticks and occasionally hurling them into the ground to agitate the ancestors.

As an important aspect of Xhosan political ritual, the imbongi on occasion deliberately bewilders his audience by making outrageous claims or using obscene language.

The primary consideration made when selecting a praise poet for the president's address is to rotate between languages to give each of South Africa's indigenous cultures fair representation.