Prudence Mabhena

Prudence Mabhena is an award-winning Zimbabwean singer. Prudence Mabhena was born with Arthrogryposis, and was severely disabled. The society she was born into considers disabilities to carry the taint of witchcraft.[1] Because of this, she was abandoned by her family. As a result, she was raised by her maternal grandmother who sang to her while working on her farm. She later attended King George VI School for the disabled in Bulawayo.[2][3]

Prudence Mabhena
Born (1986-02-23) 23 February 1986
Zimbabwe
GenresAfro-Fusion
Occupation(s)Singer

Musical career

While at school she discovered a love for music and performing, and founded the band Liyana with seven other disabled students and was made up of:

  • Prudence Mabhena – singer and composer (suffers from arthrogryposis)
  • Tapiwa Nyengera – back-up singer, keyboard, front man (has spina bifida)
  • Energy Maburutse – first marimba player, back-up vocalist (suffers from osteogenesis imperfecta, brittle bone syndrome)
  • Honest Mupatse – tenor marimba player (has hemophilia)
  • Marvelous Mbulo – back-up singer (has muscular dystrophy)
  • Vusani Vuma – bass marimba player (is hearing-impaired)
  • Goodwell Nzou – traditional drums and percussion, back-up singer (leg amputated)
  • Farai Mabhande – lead keyboardist (suffers from arthrogryposis)

The band tried to overcome stereotypes and inspire the same people that once saw them as a curse. Her story was later turned into the film Music by Prudence, which went on to win the Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject) at the 82nd Academy Awards.[4]

Music by Prudence also won:

  • the Audience Award for Best Documentary Short at the Florida Film Festival
  • Best Short at the Africa World Documentary Film Festival
  • Best Short at the DocuWest Film Festival.

Awards

Apart from music awards, she also received the 2018 Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards given to leaders in disability sector.[5]

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References
  1. "Oscar nomination for 'Music by Prudence' about disabled Zimbabwean singer Prudence Mabhena". San Francisco BayView. 5 March 2010. Retrieved 21 March 2010.
  2. "Prudence Mabhena: Out Of Struggle, A Soaring Voice". May 11, 2010.
  3. Mazara, Garikai. "The Oscar that Prudence Mabhena never won".
  4. "Oscar-winning Prudence Mabhena appointed ambassador for SA's Casual Day".
  5. "2018 Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards Announced".
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