In this week’s culture corner, we talk about the history and culture of praise poetry. For South African nations, praise poetry is a popular indigenous oral tradition for paying tribute or homage to leaders such as kings and chiefs. The oral tradition has been used to conserve the history, values and experiences of different cultural groups. In Setswana, praise poetry is called Maboko and in Zulu, called Izibongo. Lerato Mbele is in conversation with legendary praise poet, Zolani Mkiva and, VendaBoy poet.