Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
Njabulo Mlilo (12) has Osteogenesis Imprefecta, which has left him with brittle bones, but that hasn’t prevented him from working towards building a solid music career.
Njabulo, who is a Grade Six pupil at Senondo Primary School, was diagnosed with the condition at the age of five.
A genetic bone condition called Osteogenesis Imprefecta is present from birth. Additionally called brittle bone disease. In addition to other issues, a child born with OI may have soft bones that break (fracture) easily and bones that do not form appropriately. OI hinders the body’s ability to develop strong bones.
Despite his condition, Njabulo did not isolate himself from society and instead made the audacious decision to use music to show off his talent. He has also been able to convey a lot of bravery and audacity via his music. At the age of six, according to his mother Chioniso Mavhiza, Njabulo began displaying a liking for music.
“Njabulo was born in Kwekwe and he did his Grade One to Five there. When he was doing his Grade One Njabulo started showing his love for music as he loved to sing in front of the congregation in church. He stole the hearts of many people as they were captivated by his boldness and courage despite his disability. Njabulo refused to be withdrawn from the onset, he always wanted to be in the spotlight.
“When we moved to Gwanda it didn’t take Njabulo much time to adjust to the new environment as he is always putting himself out there. Soon after moving to his new school, Senondo Primary Njabulo immediately began to perform his songs,” she said.
Njabulo writes and performs Zimdancehall music. At the age of nine, he began to compose songs. He also incorporates humor into his songs. Njabulo has performed at occasions both at the school and in the mining town. He recently gave a performance at the Gwanda celebrations of International Literacy Day.
Mavhiza stated that she is very supportive of her son’s music profession and would like to see it flourish. She stated she is relieved to watch her kid, who has a disability, live a regular life.
“Sometimes children with disabilities withdraw out of fear of being discriminated. I’m glad that Njabulo has displayed so much courage and initiative. He has a positive approach to life. Njabulo has experienced great difficulties in life because of his condition. He used to experience fractures regularly and he used to fall a lot at school. I took him to the Cure Orthopaedic Hospital in Bulawayo where he got calcium tablets that have helped to improve his condition,” she said.
Njabulo expressed a desire to fully pursue a career in music. He said that he is inspired by well-known disabled artists like Terry, Chipo, and Greatman. He listens to other Zimdancehall musicians as well.
A few tracks that he has written are ready for recording. He is trying to find a sponsor who can help him with his music career. He said that because he can manage the two, his schoolwork does not have to suffer simply because he enjoys music.
“I have a great passion for music and given the opportunity I know I can do well. I love composing songs and I see music as a way of entertaining as well as educating people. The world will be a boring place without music. I need a sponsor who can help me to record my songs.
“I hope to have a flourishing music career which will help me to fend for my family and to improve the living conditions of my family,” he said.
Njabulo claimed that although some of his schoolmates make fun of his music, it hasn’t stopped him from pursuing his goal. He claimed that some of his schoolmates are behind him and enjoy his music. He wants to serve as an example for other individuals with impairments, particularly young people.
“As people with disabilities we shouldn’t live in fear and we shouldn’t doubt ourselves. We can equally do what other people can do and all we need is to believe in ourselves,” he said.
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