Budding writer and musician Marvelous Mbulo (30) has completed a debut novel titled My Wheel and is appealing for funds to have it published.
SHARON SIBINDI OWN CORRESPONDENT
Mbulo is a former student at Bulawayo’s King George VI School for Children and a member of the group Liyana that spawned Prudence Mabhena whose story of perseverance in the face of adversity as a disabled girl won an Oscar award in 2010.
The story was captured in the short film Music by Prudence. The 35-minute documentary tells the band’s life story, with special focus on Mabhena, who was born disabled and suffered rejection by her family at an early age.
The group got together at King George VI School for Children and was discovered by Zimbabwe-born Leslie Goldwasser, who is now based in the United States.
Goldwasser organised the group’s first tour of the US where they performed at the Apollo Theatre in December 2011.
The group also recorded a song with the widow of John Lennon (former Beatle), Yoko Ono, at the John Lennon Bus.
Liyana has now taken a break as some members of the band are studying at universities in the United States.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
In his book My Wheel, Mbulo narrates his life from the first time he got his wheelchair up to now.Mbulo told Southern Eye Lifestyle that Bulawayo publishers ’amaBooks had approached him and his friends to write a story and they compiled one titled Small Friends, which received a special mention at this year’s edition of the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama).
Mbulo said Small Friends is an introduction to his book My Wheel, for which he is appealing for sponsorship to publish.
“Small Friends got a special mention at this year’s Nama and I was so surprised and happy about it because a lot of people got to know about the book.
“Former King George VI students were involved in the writing of Small Friends,” Mbulo said.
He is currently working on a new project and indicated that he would soon launch an album.
“I am working on an album with one of the members of Liyana, Mabhena, and l wish to collaborate with some artistes.
“So far Shinsoman has agreed to collaborate with me and I am still working on getting hold of Soul Jah Love and Oliver Mtukudzi,” he added.
