POET, author and praise singer pours her heart out as she reflects on her birthday and the difficult year she has survived.
Masingita Shibambu, popularly known as Ntombhi Ya Mutsonga, took to social media to share a deeply personal message about pain, faith and growth and fans felt every word.
The 26-year-old from Matiyani Village in Malamulele, Limpopo first captured the nation's attention in 2020 at just 19 years old when she delivered a powerful praise poem for President Cyril Ramaphosa during the State of the Nation Address. Her commanding voice, confidence and cultural pride instantly made her a household name.
But behind the strength many admire, the young poet revealed she has been fighting silent battles.
"The past year was the hardest I've ever walked through. There were days I felt lost, anxious and overwhelmed in ways I couldn't even explain," she wrote.
Ntombhi did not hide her struggles. Instead, she spoke about how her faith carried her through moments of breaking and uncertainty.
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"But God, being faithful and just, met me right there. In the breaking, in the crushing, in the silence and He gave me strength to carry weights I didn't think I could survive," she shared.
Her message quickly drew support from fans and fellow creatives, who praised her bravery for speaking openly about mental and emotional challenges many young people face in silence.
The Limpopo-born star said the pain changed her but in a powerful way.
"And today I can boldly say I am not the same woman I was a year ago. I am softer, wiser and stronger," she said.
From commanding national stages to navigating private storms, Ntombhi Ya Mutsonga continues to show that strength is not just about the loud moments, it's also about surviving the quiet ones.
And as she turns a new page, one thing is clear: This village girl with a mighty voice is still rising.
