With her baby boy just a year old, Zolani Mahola, lead singer of Freshlyground, is having to deal with two tides – motherhood and being the frontwoman of one of South Africa’s
leading bands. FRANCESCA
VILLETTE and LIESL VAN DER SCHYFF spoke with her to find out just how she copes
“I love being a mother – it comes naturally,” Mahola said.
She gave birth to her son, Zazi Bastion Mahola-Klemp, in August last year.
Since then, Mahola has made a conscious decision not to expose her son to too much of the limelight that has followed her since the band’s inception in 2002.
Twelve years on, the band is still a buzzing sensation. South Africans of every race and creed cram in to see them perform live.
“Zazi”, meaning “know yourself”, has been the point of reference when raising her son. “I want him to live his own life, to find what makes him happy and allow him the space to grow,” Mahola said.
“He already has his own personality.” She revealed that she was hesitant about allowing photographers the opportunity to do photo shoots with him. Being a mother has grounded her and changed her outlook on life.
Even the sound her instrument produces had developed and changed, she said, referring to her voice.
A second child might be on the cards for Mahola, but only time would tell, she said.
Freshlyground will be performing at The Cape Farmhouse on December 27 and at the Nederburg wine farm in Paarl on New Year’s Eve in an Afro-pop meets symphony concert as they will be accompanied by a symphonic orchestra.
“There is something magical that happens when the two sounds come together,” Mahola said.
“I am very excited about the performance. I can’t describe the feeling that overtakes me when I am on stage with an orchestra.
“It’s beautiful.”
When writing music, there is no one secret place Mahola has that she visits for inspiration. It may be as she sits on a bus, walks down a city promenade or visits an old friend where she garners inspiration.
Mahola was all of 21 years old when she rose to fame with the band.
With many young adults today not knowing how to pursue their dreams, or having few support structures in place, Mahola deems the key to achieving goals.
“The trick is that you have to believe in yourself. You have to show people that you are confident in your sound.
“Then it’s all just making a name for yourself.”
Pre-sale tickets for The Cape Farmhouse are R100 at Quicket, and tickets for the Nederburg wine farm concert are available at Computicket.