BY PHUMELELE MKHONTA
MBABANE- Setting her footprint in the universe!
Despite having way over 300 000 followers on social media on her pages, Eswatini-born vlogger, thick woman activist and now motivational speaker Lindelwe Tshabalala, famously known as Lala, is dropping her first book in mid-October, 2022.
A vlogger is a video blogger.
Tshabalala is currently based in South Africa and her family is in Eswatini. She majored in Journalism.
The liSwati beauty’s book is titled ‘The Unroyal Queen’ and she described it as romantic drama that explores possibility.
“The Unroyal Queen tells the story about the unlikeliest woman from Sierra Leone to shake and transform a European monarchy. I love such a story. It could be any of us in a different context. Again, it speaks to the idea of possibilities and the fact that it’s the people you least expect who end up doing the greatest things.
“A 21st-century royal epic set to alter history. Set in Belgium and Sierra Leone, The Unroyal Queen demonstrates one woman’s bravery and her devotion to her country and the nation she loves,” the vlogger, now-turned writer, explained the contents of the book.
Unpacking the contents, Tshabala also said the book was packed with heart-pounding underground militia encounters, scandalous affairs that threaten a royal house, crafty power plays and a bond so strong it knows no limits.
“The Unroyal Queen is a story about love, violence, envy, survival, ambition, and influence, and the unlikeliest of voices that will change the course of history. This is book one of the Over Throne series. The book is set to be released by the end of this month – October, this year,” said Tshabalala.
The publisher of her book is Nyeyezi Books (nyenyezilitinstitute.co.za), a black-female owned publishing house.
When asked why she branched into writing, Tshabalala said her aim was to contribute to the growth of African literature and entertainment.
“I have been intentional about writing stories that are broadly African and not just focused on South Africa. My dream is to see my stories become films and TV series,” she said.
In the meantime, Tshabalala revealed that she had taken a step away from modelling to pursue book and screenwriting.
“I discovered my gift of storytelling during lockdown and I pressed into it. I created a YouTube channel called Miss Curvy Lala (The Champagne Room) where thousands of people gathered to listen to me tell stories. It’s been amazing to watch this part of my life unfold.
“We are so blessed to live in a time such as this where Africa and the rest of the world have been connected. You turn on your TV and see actor John Kani in Black Panther, Burna Boy signing with Ed Sheeran and African designers showcasing at Paris Fashion week. The possibilities are endless,” she said.
