admin
are left unrealised, talent untapped and visions unexplored.
That first step requires an ambition and courage evident in a soldier who crosses a river to the enemy’s territory and burning the bridge, as an indication that it is do or die.
Success is a phenomenon that is not realised and enjoyed at an advanced age as most would think and this is evident in Bill Gates who began his software company at a very tender age.
Indeed, this “devil may care” attitude has been displayed by five Bulawayo teenage girls who have banded into a hip-hop dance crew under the banner The Mehoz taking the first step in their pursuit to become the best female dance crew, rappers as well as fashion designers at a very tender age.
Cool Lifestyle caught up with this multi-talented ensemble recently in Bulawayo who opened up on their story.
“We have been together for three years now and I founded this dance crew with two other members and we are five.
“It was because we knew there was no girl crew which had put its name out there and we wanted to make a difference, but at the same time representing all the girls from Bulawayo,” said crew founder Kim Nonhlanhla Mpofu (19).
The Mehoz initially began as clothing designers under the mentorship of 27-year-old Jabulani Sibanda, but later broadened into hip-hop dancing and appearing in many shows with a touch of glamour and swag which came in time to give them a touch of class.
“We started off as designers, but with the massive talent within the group we broadened into other areas so that the girls may use their talent and skills to the maximum to realise their goals in life.
“We are self-funded at the moment, but we are building our portfolio so that we can attract potential sponsors for our future ventures already in the pipeline,” said Mehoz manager Sibanda.
It is from this background as talented designers that The Mehoz have not only created their own top of the class dancing regalia which gives them colour, but they have done the unthinkable, coming up with their own clothing label branded NPV.
“New Pretty Version or NPV for short is a clothing label for girls, but has not yet gone public, but we are confident it is going to cause a fashion frenzy,” said the Bulawayo Adventist High School student, Mpofu aka Nhlansi.
Creativity
At the time when most students on vacation will be busy roaming the towns or travelling, The Mehoz are using their time to perfect their art and craft.
“The label is a product of how we express ourselves in terms of creativity and it is all about swagger and am sure all the girls are will like it because our designs stand out in terms of originality, but we are hopeful to come out with a man’s label anytime,” said 18-year-old Nongcwele Mkandla aka Sue.
The Mehoz have not been stopped exploring their capabilities and have gone the extra mile by venturing into music as vibrant and talented rappers and they are set to release their debut single anytime.
“We are working with Core C from Ama 45 Studio and we have managed to also engage with MAJ studio on a mix-tape, the single will be out just after our registration with Zimura,” said Sibanda.
The innovative girls said discipline, focus and ambition was the key to their success and under the watchful eye of their manager they strictly balance their activities.
“I have been dancing ever since Form Two at the time when I was with the Supreme Being, another Bulawayo-based dance group, before I thought of forming my own group, so I am strict with what I do as an artiste, but I work hard at school, although the two do not mix and the same applies to the rest of the crew,” said Mpofu.
This crew of multi-talented girls is a clear indication that girls are no-hoppers but can do or even better what boys can.
The Mehoz comprises Kim Nonhlanhla Mpofu (19), Nongcwele Mkandla (19), Emmaculate Ncube (19), Lucy Mhembere (18) and Nonhlanhla Memo (18).
The writer is studying towards a Diploma in Journalism with CCOSA in Harare.
Online Reporter