U-Meleni Mhlaba-Adebo, Zimbabwe

U-Meleni Mhlaba-Adebo was born in the U.S., to parents from what was then Rhodesia but spent most of her childhood in Zimbabwe and South Africa, before returning to the United States. U-Meleni’s name means,“What are you waiting for,” in the African Ndebele-Zulu language.

"I can’t say that my passionate pursuit of life spanning art, education, and wellness is the result of my name, but it is a perfect fit."

U-Meleni is a multi-disciplinary artist, performer, educator and best-selling author. She regularly teaches workshops in poetry, spoken word, music, film and performs on some of the most prestigious stages in the world from the Boston Opera House to The Museum of Fine Arts Boston and The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston.

She has been honored with a host of awards over the years from organizations including; Roxbury Community College Teaching and Learning Center, The Binnacle, The University of Maine at Machias, Boston Public Health Commission Adolescent Wellness Program, The National Society of Black Engineers, N.S.B.E., American Idol Underground and Live. Love. Fashion.

Her dream is to share her message on stages around the world and to one day soon start a non profit initiative that provides financial support to individuals, families that are dealing with mental health in Zimbabwe.