Well-known KwaZulu-Natal poet, Mxolisi Mtshali, has passed away. Mtshali was famous for his love poems in original Zulu.

Mxolisi Mtshali is well known as a love poet, he recites his poetry in isiZulu and his poem ‘ Zulu love letter’ which he wrote more than a decade ago introduced performance poetry to people who never thought they will ever listen and enjoy poetry.

The 36-year-old from Nongoma, northern KZN, said being a poet has an element of spiritual attachment, which is why most poets, despite poverty and the lack of gigs, stick to their talent and calling.As a poet, he was once in a dark space but he got back on his feet. Mxolisi dealt with frustrations by writing more poems about love and also the brain behind Poet in a Suit, a poetry show that is held annually in KZN.