Comeback Queens’ joy at DJ Tira collaboration
Legendary Mbhaqanga group Mahotella Queens are making a comeback to the music industry.
This time around the group is working with well-known producer and Afrotainment boss Mthokozi “DJ Tira” Khathi.
The Queens’ surviving group members are Hilda Tloubatla, Nobesuthu Mbadu and Mildred Mangxola.
In an exclusive interview with Sunday World, Tloubatla said that the collaboration with DJ Tira for the Kazet/gazette remix was done at AMPD.
“The collaboration with DJ Tira came at the right time as we are making a comeback to the music industry. It came at a right time as we are busy preparing for our overseas trip, which will take place when the coronavirus cure has been found and countries have dropped all major travelling restrictions. It was also a wonderful experience to work with our son and for him to know our music and our style of music. It was also exciting for him to know where our music first came [from]. It is also a blessing to have our music continue and for the younger generation to get to know it and love it as much as we do,” she said.
The Queens proved that they were on another level when they recorded a modernised version of Gazette/kazet with singer Zamo and kwaito star and jail
There is nothing we know best except to make people sing and dance
bird Brickz for the MTN football tournament in 2013.
Tloubatla said what has kept Mahotella Queens together for 55 years was their love for music. She said they live and breathe music.
“There is nothing that we know best except to make people sing and dance to our music. After all, we are artists until God takes us to heaven because of the love of our style of music and the dream of it to keep continuing,” she said.
“By continuing to collaborate with the likes of DJ Tira and other artist, as well as writing and recording new music, we are making sure that our music lives on.
“Performing locally and internationally is also of prime importance to us as a group. This is the reason why we are not in a hurry to retire from performing,” she said.
Tloubatla had choice words for today’s self-obsessed celebrities: “Never forget to respect everyone you work with in the industry and do not have this attitude that I am famous and can do what I want. Remember that fame only lasts for a short while. Never forget that they are the ones that ensure you have a long and fruitful career. Always work hard, it will not just drop in your lap.”