EDITOR’S CORNER!

Tweek we saw local talent shine brighter than we ever could have imagined. I learnt how patience, passion, drive, support, resilience and prayer could lead you straight to your dreams.

I got to grow with people, I got to see people grow and uplift Eswatini.

There are a few stories that I think of from the top of my head. Durban Tourism coming to Eswatini for the MTN Bushfire festival, Eswatini born dancer in a South African dance competition, ‘Slotta’ releasing an album overseas and an MC who is making ‘waves’ in the entertainment industry.

What I learnt from the first story I mentioned is the fact that Eswatini-born Sakhile Mabuza had relocated to Durban and has made a name for himself, but he took the initiative to come back into the country with Durban Tourism and flaunt all that Eswatini is about.

I also got to see a very supportive father, through the story of a 19-year-old dancer from Eswatini who will be competing in a South African dancing completion.

This man put his daughter’s dreams first and dedicated his time to proving all the means possible to support his child. This also showed me how important support is, especially for the new generation.

We are in trying times and it’s always encouraging to have a pillar of strenght on your side.

I commend him and call out to other fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, friends and the likes to always lend a helping hand to your loved ones and people in need.

Seeing how people, especially in our culture, never want to get out of their comfort zone and see change as a taboo, it was great to see a local artist, MC, see a gap in the entertainment industry and go head first into something that he too knew was a huge risk.

I got to dive into the life of a locally known artist, Sikhanyiso Mabuza, who was labelled by different names like the mic guy or the guy making noise, but was resilient enough to keep at his craft and keep pushing forward.

It was difficult for him but the voice in the back of his head kept screaming louder the more he wanted to quit thus pushing himself forward never gave up.

I don’t think I ever would have learnt all that I did if I wasn’t a reporter because I would have never had the opportunity of diving into people’s personal lives and what made them also what drives them.

This week I’ll go into the newsroom driven by the people calling a texting everyday just to tell me about their stories.

To hear about what got them there and all I need to do for them is listen because the best journalist listens.

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HIS

PMpho Kholekile Tshabalala, commonly known as Khole, has surely pinned our flag on international grounds, leaving no room for disappointment.

With music that transcends culture, inequality, race and age she has landed herself a special place in the hearts of the people of Eswatini and the world at large. Today, she opens up about herself, music, the industry after COVID-19 and future plans.

OWERHOUSE When did you start singing?

As far as I can remember as a child, however, I started singing professionally in 2012.

When did you discover your for music?

I discovered my passion towards music at the end of my primary school education, where I was caught singing in class while others were making noise. I chose the melodious kind. This was a great time actually because it was just me doing what I loved and what felt good and it sounded beautiful to my ears.

Whom have you shared the stage with and have you ever performed outside the country, if yes, where?

I’ve shared the stage with artists like Busi Mhlongo, at the Jazz Festival, Thandiswa Mazwai at Luju Festival, Bholoja at the King’s Cup among others.

Yes I have performed outside the country.

I’ve performed at Durban Blues Festival in 2018 and private functions for the better part of 2021.

In your own words how’s the industry growing postCOVID-19?

Post-COVID-19 I think the industry is still growing, slowly but surely.

passion

Artists are brave; they are putting themselves out there more professionally. They are no longer waiting for hand-outs, but doing things for themselves and technology is really helping us along.

Who would you like to share the stage with and why?

Well, sharing the stage is something that you have no control and they’re really so many. At the moment I’d like to pick Zonke and Lira. I love their brands, their music and to me they come across as hard workers in regards to their dreams and of course, their music is timeless.

What is your advice to young upcoming artists.

My advice to young upcoming artists is to work hard on their dreams and things that grow their dreams, like school, starting a business and relatively stay focused. Be careful about who you let in your circle as not everyone wants to see you succeed.

Any new to? project to look forward

My album is in the works and that is something to look forward to. Ten tracks of absolute passion on the things that matter to me.

How do you handle male fans?

It’s funny how it’s not even an issue but to be honest about who you are and what you are about and they easily get the point to give you space.

What can fans look forward to this weekend at the MTN Bushfire?

MTN Bushfire has never been disappointing. I expect my fans and even those who will be seeing me