They have been around for more than two decades. The Afro-pop group Mafikizolo has made people across the world sing and dance to their music. As a singer, songwriter, and fashion designer, group member Nhlanhle Mafu relies strongly on her voice and her hearing. In a recent consultation with Audiology Hearing & Balance specialist, the Ngeke singer has revealed that she suffers from hearing loss.
STRUGGLING TO HEAR
Nhlanhla says he has been ashamed to speak about her hearing loss. Speaking to a specialist, Nhlanhal says she has kept it a secret for some time. "For me, at some point in my life, I really felt embarrassed when I had to do interviews. When I’m with my partner Theo, he always has to repeat the question." She adds that it’s a challenge among friends and social gatherings. "Even when I’m sometimes just chilling with friends, sometimes I would just laugh without even knowing what people are laughing about or be agreeable basically to everything because I can’t hear."
MESSAGES OF SUPPORT
Nhlanhla has received messages of support from her peers and fan." I really admire your sharing this with us sis. My mom has hearing loss in one ear, and it’s amazing how you learn to compensate for it and navigate the world, especially when you haven’t shared it with anyone else (yet). Kudos to you," Melanie Bala says. "Thanks for opening up sistaz. I love who you are becoming," Uyanda Mbuli adds. "This is a new season, so proud to see this. God is moving." Sophie Ndaba says.