Muso pens his life story

Mabalane hopes to inspire others

IT HAS been more than 15 years since Kabelo Mabalane aka “Bouga Luv” became the third member of kwaito group TKZee in the early 2000s – and now the awardwinning artist has just solidified his spot as a multi-talent with the launch of his autobiography.

I Ran For My Life: My Story was launched last month in Johannesburg, and on Tuesday Mabalane will be at the Steve Biko Centre in Ginsberg for the Eastern Cape launch and reading session.

Mabalane, who has nine solo albums under his belt and has run eight marathons, described the book as an inspirational read that told the story of his troubled past and how he rose above it.

“The title itself tells it all, I ran away from all the things that were not doing me any good, like my battle with substance abuse and the highs and lows of the music industry.

“The book will also touch on faith and how that helped me transform to who I am today, so I ran for my life towards the things that would build me,” Mabalane told the Saturday Dispatch.

Mabalane, who earlier this year released his ninth studio album Immortal Vol 3, said writing his life story was not something he had always wanted to do, but that it was a natural progression.

“I felt a strong sense of duty. I have had the privilege of having people tell me what an amazing story my life is and how, if told, it might inspire someone else who is in the same dark place I was in.

“So I hope the book will have that effect and impact by sharing my journey and insight,” he said.

Mabalane said he also chose to launch his book in the Eastern Cape because of his many fans here.

He said maintaining a career in the entertainment industry for more than a decade had not been easy.

“It’s been God’s grace man, mixed with the fact that I am a very competitive person.

“It’s evident even with the new album, it’s a completely new sound for me but I mean my fans have received it very well, so also the fact that my fans are loyal has been a blessing,” said Mabalane.

The launch will be held at the Steve Biko Centre on Tuesday at 6pm. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za