Zomkhonto Gabadela

Mbonisi Zikhali was born in Makokoba, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and his spoken word/storytelling name, Zomkhonto, reflects his ancestral totem. He is a dedicated arts educator, youth mentor, and mental wellness advocate who channels his passion for the transformative power of words and storytelling to foster healing and empowerment. As a community development worker, he has worked in correctional facilities, where he conducts workshops on prosocial behaviors, and in Toronto schools, promoting conflict resolution strategies and promotes cultural identity among at‐risk Black youth. He considers himself an afro-empath, driven to create spaces where individuals find joy and healing through shared narratives. His recent publication appearance in “Colossus: Body – An Anthology of the Self” by Colossus Press (San Francisco, California, 2023) underscores his commitment to defending rights and fostering dialogue. He has previously sat on the boards of Storytelling Toronto and Artcite Windsor.