Chronicle Editor
Sione Amidu
A 14-YEAR-OLD visually impaired pupil at Manama High School in Gwanda District, Tholakele Mpofu, received an award for being the outstanding female vocalist at the Matabeleland South School of Creative Arts Drive (SCAD) competition.
Tholakele, a Form One learner, received a shield during the competition which was organised by the Talent Innovation Mentorship Exercise (TIME) project in partnership with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture.
In an interview, Tholakele said she has not allowed her disability to stop her from pursuing her dream. She is a member of the Manama High School choir.
Tholakele started singing at the age of eight. She said music gives her a sense of belonging.
“I was doing my Form One at Manama High School and next year I will be moving to Form Two. I developed a passion for music at the age of eight when I was at Beitbridge Mission Primary School,” she said.
“I would listen to the music choir singing and this inspired me to become a musician. It’s a dream come true for me to receive such honour and recognition, which shows that disability doesn’t mean inability.”
Despite not seeing her audience, Tholakele said she could connect with them through singing. “Their response as they shout and ululate when I’m performing shows me that they love my music,” she said
Tholakele said as she grew up, she endured discrimination from the community because of her disability. However, that did not stop her from following her dream.
“I believe in myself, which is enough to motivate her, and I desire to pursue music as a career. I draw my inspiration from renowned artists with disabilities,” she said.
Tholakele said she tried to balance music and her studies.
“I am grateful as the school curriculum focuses on developing learners academically and in other spheres. Music is my passion and I am optimistic that in the next five years, l would have secured a recording deal,” she said.
“I want to build my own music career and I will work hard to ensure that my dream becomes a reality. I love music and that is why I joined the school choir to develop my career and showcase my talent.”
Tholakele paid tribute to her parents, teachers, and friends for their support and words of encouragement.
TIME founder, Mr Adrian Drivo Musa, said the school’s competition programme creates a platform for learners to showcase their talent. He said it also helps to motivate and nurture upcoming artistes.
“As TIME, we desire to motivate youngsters and nurture them to become even better than the artists who are their source of inspiration. We want youngsters to believe in themselves and to feel that what they are doing has a meaningful purpose,” he said.
“We are glad that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education also values the work of these upcoming artistes.”
Online Reporter