Classique Q&A Magazine | Page 10

Most African people grew up jamming to Malaika, not to mention it was impossible to attend a wedding and not see the bridal team dancing to one of their songs.We all wished we could sing that song “destiny” the way Tshedi Mholo totally smashes it! Many have attempted, but no one can sing it better than the Leopard Queen herself. I have been a fan my whole life and last year I had the opportunity to meet the songbird in South Africa . Having recently celebrated twenty years in the music industry, this is the substance that makes LEGENDS! Check out the Q and A interview with the amazing Tshedi Mholo. w ho is Tshedi Mholo? Tshedi Mholo is a daughter of the most High. I’m a Christian and I love what God has done in my life. I am a Singer, Mom, Wifey, Family Woman, Business Woman, a woman willing to take risks to make dreams come true and a lover of people. I enjoy cooking and family life. w hat made you want to be a singer?. I grew up in a musical family and I love everything about them. We always feel over the moon everytime there’s a song playing. Singing has been an inborn thing and nobody can take that away from me.It`s a gift that one must use to extend a helping hand to the needy.Apart from that being in a succesful group like Malaika with such great and amazing people such as Bongani and Jabu (May his Soul Rest In Peace) they made me fall inlove with singing more. 10 i f you were not a singer what would you be?. I’m a teacher by proffession and I’m capable of doing a lot.Tell me about being a multi-talented woman. w hat do you do when you are not working I’m home if I’m not working and taking care of my family and kids of which they are my supporting tool.I love my family and that comes 1st. I’m always on the road and have to create time and space to be a Mom and play kiddies games. H ave you got one advantage and disadvantage of being in a group ? Being in a group you have to learn to compromise a lot of yourself. It ain’t about you but team work. Yes put your foot down if the shoe doesn’t fit, but it’s fun. I loved it during the days of Malaika. Crying helped at times but you had to make sure you stayed strong. The disadvantage of being in a male dominated group is that you can face some inferiority especially being the only female member. O utside of yourself who else do you listen to? I listen to quite a lot of artists which makes it easier for me to find my true self and be original all the time. I love dancehall and more singers with difficult vocal dynamics and I'm a talent scout based on the different voices I always watch out for.I love the late Whitney Houston,Aretha Franklin,Mama Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Brenda Fassie, most African artists who made it big like Malaika and my Black Sisters who keep me on my toes while hoping for a change in this male dominated industry. w e all know you from the famous group Malaika; how was it being the only lady amongst guys? Being the only lady in a group comes with a lot of pressure and challenges. You are either strong or weak but I stood tall and made my voice heard in a most reasonable and respectful way. As tough as it was I fought my way up and here I am. 11