by Simel Bey (Author)
Born in Africa, abducted to Brazil, raised as a warrior, destined for greatness. Based on the true story of Mestre Benedito, one of the innovators of the unique and beautiful martial art forms called Capoeira, The Mysterious One of Kapwera Engolo celebrates the life of a young man named Besege taken from his home and sold into slavery in the New World. Swiftly escaping to a multi-racial community of freedom fighters, Besege survives to witness turbulent times, including the birth of capoeira from a mix of African and native Brazilian arts, the abolition of slavery in Brazil, and the rise of Afro-Brazilian culture as an enduring force. Caught between worlds, living his life on the run from the authorities, and trapped within a system that enslaved and condemned him on the basis of his heritage, Besege rises to a position of respect and leadership as a warrior, a spiritual guide, and a teacher- one whose legacy survives even today. As rich in action as it is in history and culture, The Mysterious One of Kapwera Engolo is a captivating and enlightening window to a very different place and time-a world defined by adventure, mysticism, upheaval, and the eternal struggle to be free.
Author Biography
Author Simel E.J. Bey is a Licensed & Board Certified Acupuncturist and teacher. Simel earned a bachelor's degree in Radio, Film, and Print and his master's degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. He is the CEO of Bey Acupuncture, a thriving and accolade-winning practice specializing in Oriental Medicine. In 2013, his office was voted Best Acupuncture in Austin, Texas. In addition to caring for his patients, Simel is an avid writer. He made his publishing debut in 2010 with Children's Initiatic Tales: Stories from The Immortal Light, a collection of six original tales inspired by traditions of myth, spiritual folklore, and ancient fairy tales. In the fall of 2007, he had the honor of meeting Mestre Joao Grande at a Capoeria Workshop and began treating him with Oriental Medicine. During one of the healing sessions, Mr. Grange's translator mentioned a powerful presence in the room. Simel recalls, "The room had a vibration like a huge fan. I remember Mestre's heart appeared as pure as gold." In a midnight revelation later that night, after a long day at the Capoeria Workshop, a very strong vision of Bahia, Brazil and West Africa formed in Simel's mind. Old black women were whispering messages of Mestre Benedito, who Simel learned had an astonishing connection to Mestre Joao Grande. "They told me to get up and write the message down. I woke full of energy and began transcribing the entire story on paper towels. I began researching and over the next eight years and six month, on occasion, was visited by the Preta Velhas, old black enslaved women of Brazil. According to Bey, "I had no idea who or what Preta Velhas were, but when I could smell the cigar smoke to the left of my shoulder, I knew then this effortless writing was a very serious work beyond me." The Mysterious One of Kapwera Engolo, a children's and young adult book for middle-school students aged 10 to 13, is the result of Simel's incredible journey. Its highly anticipated release is scheduled for early spring 2015. Simel currently resides in Austin, Texas. When not practicing Oriental medicine, writing, or involved in various philanthropic endeavors, he enjoys spending time with his family and continually strives to further his self-development.