Multi-talented young woman on a mission

Peter Moyo

25-year old Langelihle Bhule, who hails from Nkayi is a versatile woman determined to take the world by storm through art, designing and writing.

At the tender age of six, the gifted Bhule developed an affinity for art and she has been nurturing her dexterity since. 

“I used to burn the midnight oil practicing and perfecting my art because I wanted to become one of the best  artists of my generation,” she said.

When she was 14, she caught the eye of veteran artist Dumisani Ndlovu who took interest in her work at the Bulawayo Art Gallery. With Ndlovu’s expert help and encouragement, Bhule added feathers to her artistic hat.

 Bhule who wears the proverbial coat of many colours in terms of talent can also sew, cut and design. At around age 15 she tried her hand at sewing using her mother’s old hand machine. Her stunning adeptness at sewing belied her age and shocked her mother at the time.

“I can seamlessly produce a garment from scratch to completion. In fact, I can do almost everything as long as it has to do with my hands,” she said with a chuckle.

Despite possessing hands that turn almost everything she touches to gold, it has not been all rosy for Bhule. Her determination and willpower has been put to the test numerous times as she has had her share of rejection, disappointment and frustration.

“We live in a man’s world, where people are also rated based on their gender and social status. Doors have been closed in my face simply because I  did not meet some people`s standards and expectations and that is fair enough and I have learnt to live with that,”  she said.

A self-proclaimed “introvert,” Bhule says she has struggled to network in the arts industry due to her quiet demeanour. She however disclosed that she is working hard to improve her networking skills.

 When all seemed lost in Bhule’s quest to take her designing skills to the next level, owners of Simsm clothing company, Simbarashe Mudzivari and his wife came through for her and were kind enough to mentor the young designer into perfecting her stitching and cutting skills.

“Their input was invaluable given that I was a  self-taught and self-trained tailor and fashion designer. I needed professional guidance and that is what I got from the Mudzaviris,” said a grateful Bhule.

True to her claim that she can do almost everything, Bhule has written a book titled ‘A Twisted Society’ which was published by Billionaire Publishers in 2021. 

“The book focuses on Zimbabwean tribalism, unemployment, societal expectations, marriage, faith, education and perceptions,” she said.

 She is set to release her next book, ‘The Resolute Dynamite’ which has a South African storyline. 

“I write in order  to inspire people of all ages and from all walks of life,” she said.

Bhule, who draws her inspiration from American filmmaker and playwright, Tyler Perry, says she has a lot in her locker and there is more to come. She cannot wait to see her work touch the lives of many people and her books adapted to films. 

 The multi-faceted Bhule also boasts an impressive academic background. She studied Clinical Psychology and The Science of Everyday Thinking with the University of Queensland, Nature Medicine at the International Institute of Herbal Medicine and Research, and Architectural Technology at Bulawayo Polytechnic College.