Written by: Erin Dreyton
Change can be tough, especially when what you’ve done has been wildly successful. But, after 17 years as the instantly recognizable voice of Freshlyground, Zolani Mahola was driven by curiosity to find her authentic sense of self and artistry. A two-year journey resulted in a new moniker, The One Who Sings, a one-woman play and a new album, Thetha Mama.
“Becoming The One Who Sings has been so freeing because I came to this journey really remembering that I am part of the whole. I don’t have the responsibility of being the centre of attention and there’s a sense of community, even in performance spaces where I see myself, the other musicians and the audience as part of a circle.” shares Zolani with a renewed sense of excitement.
Her new music shows off the beauty of isiXhosa and the lyrics are a deeply personal expression of the sanctity of childhood. “A big part of my journey was realising I had all these stories about myself from childhood and some of them were really disempowering.” Zolani explains.
“Through this introspection, I saw how important the messages are that we give children as it influences how they flower into adults. I also learnt that it’s never too late to have a happy childhood. I could revisit those stories in adulthood and choose how those stories could empower me. It all ties into authenticity.”
The songs remain true to the style of speaking to an individual with affection. You’re in Exactly the Right Place celebrates a child, telling them they’re amazing, while Ndibambe is a vulnerable expression of the need for reassurance. The lyrics encourage the listener to go inward, be honest, and give space to who they truly are by looking into their past and present, like the song Wawundithembisile that digs into questions about old beliefs.
Zolani admits her new songs were written for herself, a form of healing and finding her voice. Speaking her truth, exploring the structures of her childhood, and directing love into the inner child has hit home with fans who themselves have been on an emotional journey in the pandemic.
“It has been so wonderful to speak to people and hear from them that they resonate with this new music. It brings up emotions and they connect with it on another level not experienced before. We all want to get to another new place mentally and emotionally or rediscover a place. If my music can inspire someone to connect to something within themselves and find healing, that’s a bonus.”
What anyone can learn from Zolani Mahola is that there is immense value in exploring if what we’re doing and where we’re going is a genuine expression of who we are. Then, have the courage to align our actions with our intentions to be the best version of ourselves. The journey continues for each of us and The One Who Sings but she’s made sure we have a guiding voice and a soundtrack to help us on the way.
