BY ERIC MATOME KGOMO
Dennilton born young author, actor, motivational speaker and musician, Vusi Mabena, secured two nominations in the National African Print Author’s & Poet Awards (APAPA).
Mabena was nominated in the “Best International Author” and “Book of the Year” categories. Both nominations are for his book titled; “Tears of Pain”, which was released earlier last year.
The 29-year-old will be competing with four nominees in the “Best International Author” category and nine nominees in the “Book of the Year” category.
The nominees were selected among best young writers across the country and the voting will be opened on 1 August 2021.
Mabena said he was delighted and felt honoured because he did not expect to be nominated twice in one book.
“Honestly I am still shocked, I never saw it coming and can’t believe I was nominated in both categories in the big awards in the country,” he said.
Mabena, who described his successes as a living dream, said he has realized that his hard work is finally paying off.
“My passion for writing, dates years back when I was still in primary school and I knew that one day I will go places with pen and paper,” he said.
Apart from writing, Mabena is a part time actor, musician and motivational speaker.
“Currently, I am busy with my hip hop album titled, ‘Vusi and Friends’, set to be released early next year,” he said.
Mabena is also finalizing his fifth book, ‘Scars and Tribulation of My Journey Volume 5’, featuring well-reckoned writer, Nompumelelo Mthunzi.
“My publishing company is busy with final touches and the book will be released soon,” he said.
Mabena has been featured in a book review called, “Vula incwadi noVusi, on Ikwekwezi FM midday show with Bobo Dabeat Mthombothi. The show is aired every Tuesday at 14:15.
He also appears on popular TV soapies including Gomora, The River, Skeem Sam, Generations The Legacy and The Queen and Isibaya.
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