Mulenga Kapwepwe is the daughter of Zambia's former vice president, Simon Kapwepwe. Growing up in a house full of the nation's liberators left a lasting impression on the young girl. Today, Kapwepwe has become something of a tour de force for Zambian arts and culture.
The many faces of Mulenga Kapwepwe —
Mulenga Kapwepwe is the daughter of Zambia's former vice president, Simon Kapwepwe. Growing up in a house full of the nation's liberators left a lasting impression on the young girl. Today, Kapwepwe has become something of a tour de force for Zambian arts and culture.
CNN
Her favorite place in Lusaka is the National Archives -- it also holds a special place in her heart thanks to the moments in Zambian history captured on film including her father. "They do have some really nice photographs that for me are very real because some of are my parents."
The many faces of Mulenga Kapwepwe —
Her favorite place in Lusaka is the National Archives -- it also holds a special place in her heart thanks to the moments in Zambian history captured on film including her father. "They do have some really nice photographs that for me are very real because some of are my parents."
CNN
It's also where the de facto arts patron takes her artistic inspiration from. She tells CNN: "This is where I do most of my research work ... I'd begun to write the history of my tribe. And as I got into it and I dug into it, I thought this would make a really good play." Despite the fact she had no formal theater training, Kapwepwe has become a celebrated playwright in Zambia.
The many faces of Mulenga Kapwepwe —
It's also where the de facto arts patron takes her artistic inspiration from. She tells CNN: "This is where I do most of my research work ... I'd begun to write the history of my tribe. And as I got into it and I dug into it, I thought this would make a really good play." Despite the fact she had no formal theater training, Kapwepwe has become a celebrated playwright in Zambia.
CNN
Mulenga Kapwepwe stands on stage providing script direction while preparing her latest play, "Rufino's Wife." Kapwepwe says: "That again was inspired by the fact that there were members of my family: my uncles, my father's sister's husband for example, who went and fought in the Second World War. And it struck me that the Second World War actually had an impact on my family and the village that we come from. But you don't hear those stories anywhere. What happened tot he Africans who fought in the war who came back to their villages. What is the story?"
The many faces of Mulenga Kapwepwe —
Mulenga Kapwepwe stands on stage providing script direction while preparing her latest play, "Rufino's Wife." Kapwepwe says: "That again was inspired by the fact that there were members of my family: my uncles, my father's sister's husband for example, who went and fought in the Second World War. And it struck me that the Second World War actually had an impact on my family and the village that we come from. But you don't hear those stories anywhere. What happened tot he Africans who fought in the war who came back to their villages. What is the story?"
CNN
The talented playwright was surrounded by books during her childhood -- something she wanted to share with children today. So she built three libraries in Lusaka. "We kind of mix it up with the traditional African hut, where you discuss things and you are mentored. You get knowledge and you interact, there's drama."
The many faces of Mulenga Kapwepwe —
The talented playwright was surrounded by books during her childhood -- something she wanted to share with children today. So she built three libraries in Lusaka. "We kind of mix it up with the traditional African hut, where you discuss things and you are mentored. You get knowledge and you interact, there's drama."
CNN
In addition to her work on stage, she found traditional music in the National Archives and decided to ask young up-and-coming musicians to incorporate it in their work to find a new audience. In doing so, she founded a record label, which has since released three albums.
The many faces of Mulenga Kapwepwe —
In addition to her work on stage, she found traditional music in the National Archives and decided to ask young up-and-coming musicians to incorporate it in their work to find a new audience. In doing so, she founded a record label, which has since released three albums.
CNN
When she's not wrapped up in the world of entertainment, Kapwepwe can often be found cheering enthusiastically from the sidelines of the Chilenge Girls football team -- a group she set up. Kapwepwe herself was born in Chilenge and wanted to give something back to her community while helping young girls stay "off the streets." She reveals: "We've managed to push girls into the national team and play for Zambia ... It's a nice avenue that we've created for girls to go a little bit further than they would like to do."
The many faces of Mulenga Kapwepwe —
When she's not wrapped up in the world of entertainment, Kapwepwe can often be found cheering enthusiastically from the sidelines of the Chilenge Girls football team -- a group she set up. Kapwepwe herself was born in Chilenge and wanted to give something back to her community while helping young girls stay "off the streets." She reveals: "We've managed to push girls into the national team and play for Zambia ... It's a nice avenue that we've created for girls to go a little bit further than they would like to do."
CNN
Another achievement on her list of many accomplishments is the Lusaka Youth Orchestra which Kapwepwe founded to provide teens with a place to embrace music.
The many faces of Mulenga Kapwepwe —
Another achievement on her list of many accomplishments is the Lusaka Youth Orchestra which Kapwepwe founded to provide teens with a place to embrace music.
CNN
She explains, "These young people are from different backgrounds, from different parts of Lusaka, and some of them very vulnerable. But I think when they all come together like this, music is an equalizer and everybody enjoys themselves and they learn something."
The many faces of Mulenga Kapwepwe —
She explains, "These young people are from different backgrounds, from different parts of Lusaka, and some of them very vulnerable. But I think when they all come together like this, music is an equalizer and everybody enjoys themselves and they learn something."
CNN