Inako Mateza Lights Up SONA: A Night Of Tradition, Talent, And Twirling

Holifil

02 Apr, 2025

Inako Mateza, the vibrant 19-year-old who delivered the praise poem at this year's State of the Nation Address, shared her dazzling outfit with fans
While at the event, the multi-award-winning talent captured a moment with South African rapper Priddy Ugly, adding another highlight to her already memorable evening
Though opinions on her outfit varied, everyone agreed that Inako's performance at SONA was nothing short of spectacular

Inako Mateza dazzled Mzansi with her stunning look at the State of the Nation Address. Images: @inakomateza Source: Instagram

Let’s be real—while the politicians often take center stage at events like the State of the Nation Address, this year, someone else stole the spotlight. And no, it wasn’t a politician or even a celebrity. It was 19-year-old Inako Mateza, a young talent who brought her A-game to Cape Town’s City Hall. Her presence wasn’t just noticed—it was celebrated.

As the young poet and praise singer for SONA 2025, Inako didn’t just bring words to life; she brought culture, tradition, and a whole lot of flair. With her traditional outfit, she made a statement that resonated with South Africans across the board, showing off her pride in her roots with every bead and stitch.

When Tradition Meets Talent: Inako’s SONA Moment

Inako Mateza, a name that’s quickly becoming synonymous with excellence, turned heads at SONA with her breathtaking performance. At just 19 years old, she delivered a heartfelt praise poem for President Cyril Ramaphosa, referring to him as her "cupcake." Now, that’s a bold move—and one that had everyone talking. But let’s not forget, it wasn’t just her words that left an impression. Her outfit was a masterpiece, a vibrant tapestry of culture and creativity.

Read also:
Jose Riveiro Leads Orlando Pirates To Another Mtn8 Triumph

Inako Mateza captured a special moment with rapper Priddy Ugly at the State of the Nation Address. Image: @inakomateza Source: Instagram

In a video clip shared on social media, Inako twirled around to give fans a full 360-degree view of her stunning outfit, adorned with intricate beads that spoke volumes about her heritage. The attention to detail was nothing short of amazing, and it’s no wonder people couldn’t stop talking about it. If you haven’t seen the TikTok video yet, trust me, it’s worth the watch. Her confidence and poise were on full display, and it’s easy to see why she’s making waves.

Who Is This Rising Star?

Born and raised in Ludiza Village in Willowvale, Eastern Cape, Inako Mateza is more than just a talented poet and praise singer. She’s a cultural ambassador, a student, and a trailblazer. As an Imbongi, she carries the weight of tradition on her shoulders, but she does so with grace and innovation. Her INAKO FOUNDATION is a testament to her commitment to preserving cultural heritage, educating others about their roots, and ensuring that these traditions live on for generations to come.

When she’s not busy making history, Inako is also a student at the Durban University of Technology, where she’s studying homoeopathy. Talk about balancing it all! Her accolades speak for themselves—she’s been crowned Indoni Miss Cultural SA 2023/24 and Miss South African Traditional Leaders Awards 2024/25, just to name a few. This young woman is not just a rising star; she’s already shining brightly.

Mzansi’s Love for Inako Mateza

It’s no surprise that Inako’s performance and presence at SONA resonated with so many people across the country. Social media lit up with praise and admiration for this young talent. People weren’t just impressed by her outfit—they were inspired by her spirit and the way she carried herself with such dignity and pride.

Take, for instance, @lungaxqtm3r, who couldn’t help but notice the special qualities of Xhosa women. Or @zandilethys, who celebrated Gen Z entering the presidential praise chat with style and beauty. And who could forget @katlego.motheta, who gushed about how proud they were to have Inako as part of their community? The love and support poured in from all corners, with @mathabi13 expressing pride in being isiXhosa, and @ladymunchies26 humorously reminding everyone about that "Cupcake" moment.

Other SONA Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss

A social media buzz arose when a man pointed out the uncanny resemblance between the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation and radio personality Sol Phenduka. It’s moments like these that keep us entertained and engaged.
Nomvula Mokonyane, the Deputy Secretary-General, turned heads with her figure-hugging outfit, sparking conversations about style and elegance at SONA. Her look was bold, and people noticed.
Lebo Keswa, an outspoken internet personality, took to the stage to critique President Cyril Ramaphosa’s empty promises. While her words sparked debate, many South Africans felt her antics were more about attention than substance.

Inako Mateza’s journey is just beginning, but one thing is clear: she’s already leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of South Africans. With her talent, her passion, and her unwavering commitment to her culture, she’s proving that the future is in good hands. Here’s to many more moments of brilliance from this extraordinary young woman!