Madlela walks the path to stardom

Standard Style
MOTHUSI BASHIMANE “Madlela” NDLOVU is not your typical male artist content with playing supportive roles to established gurus in the arts and entertainment industry. He wants to be his own person and does not believe that by virtue of being a man, he needs to be afforded privileges so as to make it to the top of the cutthroat industry.

MOTHUSI BASHIMANE “Madlela” NDLOVU (pictured) is not your typical male artist content with playing supportive roles to established gurus in the arts and entertainment industry. He wants to be his own person and does not believe that by virtue of being a man, he needs to be afforded privileges so as to make it to the top of the cutthroat industry.

BY SHARON SIBINDI

Madlela

“My works make me realise that I can do it bigger and better and I am grateful to the Almighty God,” he told The Standard Style.

The Gwanda-born artist has maintained a glowing career, which has seen him shining locally and in South Africa as well as Botswana.

He pays tribute to Desire Moyo, one of the people who helped him pursue his dream.

Those that have worked with him have had no problems in pointing out that his artistic expression and image embody his abilities, aspirations and achievements as a musician, writer, comedian and creative thinker, all wrapped in one.

They are quick to note that he exhibited exceptional talent and distinguished himself with unique versatility during the stages of his career while still at primary school.

An ardent and unapologetic advocate for self-expression, Madlela is not shy to speak his mind.

Asked how he juggled his roles, Madlela said he multitasked acting, video shooting, song writing and family.

“I am lucky that my family understands what I am doing. I prepare my stuff and during my free time, I play, joke or have fun with them,” he said.

“I am a married man, with two children and we are expecting the third one.”

He is a man who loves to spend time with his family and he claims to be a good cook.

Madlela has a lot of friends and is a sociable person who still hangs around with his childhood friends.

He admits remuneration in the arts industry is low, but he is happy that players in the sector now take their work seriously in order to attract corporate sponsorship.

For all the work he does, he first sends quotations and keeps receipts of all payments. He has no problems in publicising his performances like a true professional.

While a lot of people believe the arts industry in Bulawayo is dead, Madlela disagrees.

“Bulawayo is like a kitchen — artists are being cooked there and then go to different places. If the truth could be told, Bulawayo is doing well in the arts industry. A lot of its products have gone abroad. Some who were abroad are back in the city,” he said.

Madlela said the late musician Don Gumbo and exiled crooner Lovemore Majaivana, among others, had left the baton stick for upcoming artists to carry on the legacy and prove that Bulawayo had talent.

Born in Matulungundu, Gwanda, Madlela did his primary education at a local primary school before he moved to Manama High School for his secondary education. He later went to Zezani High School for his A’ Level, where he met Moyo and subsequently fell in love with drama.

“I believe I was born to do this since I grew up in a family where my mother was a preacher and so was my uncle.

We would sing everyday around the fire and prayed. At school when I was in Grade 5, I became the choir leader ahead of Grade 6 and 7 pupils who were also part of the choir,” he said.

“At Zezani High School, I formed a drama group called Red Sun, which was one of the best drama groups in the area. After school, I came to Bulawayo where I reunited with Moyo who helped me fulfil my dream.”

The artist said while doing arts, he studied for a diploma in Marketing Management with a South African institution. This helped him get a decent job after having worked as a car washer and security guard in South Africa.

Madlela has won several awards in South Africa and managed to clinch projects with companies such as Vodacom and Mzansi Magic, among others.

His latest production titled Madlela is being aired on ZTV.

He attributes this to hard work and dedication.

“I am grateful to God who gave me the strength,” he said.