FOR Njabulo Mlilo (13), the fact that, he contracted osteogenesis imperfecta fifteen
days after stepping into this world, did not deter him from being a musician, in the
process, defying disability at a tender age.
Osteogenesis imperfecta is a disease, which weakens or causes bones to become
brittle.
Born on September 13, 2010 at Kwekwe District Hospital, Mlilo was keen to be an
outspoken musician. This talent came to light when he started to play with drums,
keyboards, mbira and guitar among other musical instruments, soon after he learnt
to crawl.
When his family moved from Kwekwe to Gwanda, his determination did not diminish,
rather it spread like veld fire. The fast rising artist has performed during
Independence, Heroes’ Days and Matabeleland South Disability Expo, among other
public gatherings in Gwanda.
He performs in his wheelchair.
Recently, his stellar performance during the International Literacy Day at Edward
Ndlovu Memorial Library kept audiences on their feet, while his lyrics tackled issues
mainly to do with drug and substance abuse, child abuse and love, sending out a
strong message.
The packed library kept went into a frenzy.
Mlilo is a proud Senondo Primary School learner in Grade 6, who has collaborated
with Itumeleng Silume (13), his desk-mate, to ensure that his music has depth in
meaning, while his mother, Chioniso Maviza, provides the guidelines to his artwork.
His mother started supporting his dream when Mlilo was in Grade 3 to ensure that
his dream comes to fruition. Mlilo has since become a master at his game.
In an interview, Mlilo's mother, said he had endured both positive and negative
comments from society but that she will prioritise the boy's dream.
He faces challenges. He used to fall in school and his music has faced both
negative and positive comments. This has motived me, as his mother, to keep on
nurturing his envisaged dream.
“We prepare lyrics so that he toes the line," she said.

She noted that contemporary society still has a negative mindset towards people
with disabilities (PWDs).

He is a subject of name-shamming and people still find it difficult to welcome such
talent. They see disability before the person. Some have managed to accommodate
the PWDs but some still have to learn to welcome him with an open heart. I am
happy that we manage to balance the two, she said.
Mlilo said he ventured into music because of his passion and that he is inspired by
Jah Prayzah, Two Shorts, Master Zhou and Zhezhingtons, among others.
It will be a dream come true if I grow in this field because this where my passion
lies. I started to write songs as a hobby but now I wish to grow as I try to polish my
career, he said.
The fast-rising artist, who has charmed many, said he requires financial assistance
to up his game.
It is my wish that I get a sponsor or manager to ensure that my music is professional
and attracts a wide range of audiences, he said.
A local disability organisation, Nkomwa Foundation Trust, handed over a wheelchair
to assist his mobility. The organisation’s director, Pick Nkomwa, said, they are
blessed by his move.
We do encourage him to pursue his academic education. Further, our project
participant is so passionate about music. That cannot be denied. We wish he would
balance the two.
Recently we issued him a wheelchair to enable his mobility for easy participation in
activities that benefit him. We also provide platforms for him and others to mingle
with other players in the arts. We also advertise his abilities on our media platforms
to ensure that his envisaged dream comes to fruition," he said.
People wishing to help the artist can contact his mother on +263 77 460 5786 or the
local organisation on 0842820006.