Months have gone by since legendary veteran musician Nelton Dama composed a song in honour of President Cyril Ramaphosa, hoping to get the opportunity to meet the president in person and present him with a copy of the song. Although this meeting has not yet occurred, Dama remains steadfast in his belief that his chance will come.

Hailing from Tshisahulu, Dama has dedicated his life to music, having played with renowned artists such as the late Tshivenda music maestro and guitarist Eric Mukhese, the late Xitsonga music doyen Skhandule Mabasa, and Ray Phiri, among others.

Last year, upon learning that the president would be visiting the Vhembe region for the Reconciliation Day celebrations at the Thohoyandou Stadium, Dama composed a song titled “Kondelela Matamela.” He chose to delay its release, hoping to officially present it to the president when he arrived at the podium. Despite efforts to arrange a meeting with Ramaphosa through the ANC leadership in the region, the meeting did not materialise. On the day of the event, Dama was unable to fulfil his dream and felt deeply disappointed.

Expressing his disappointment, Dama said, “I am very bitter after preparing such a beautiful song in honour and praise of my president, only to fail to meet him and present him with the song. I planned to perform the song and then usher him to the stage to address the nation, but this did not happen. I still have the original copy of the song, hoping that time will avail itself and allow me to give it to the president in person.”

Dama elaborated that the song highlights the challenges Ramaphosa faced during his presidency and aims to offer him courage and encouragement to persevere. “I think he is the only president to have ruled during challenging times of this nature. The song is to give him courage and encourage him to finish what he has started. My wish is to meet him personally and to say a word or two of encouragement. For now, I will keep the music on hold as I have not lost hope of meeting him,” he said.