Former Malaika leading lady Tshedi Mholo on education, new music and African pride
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Bravo Le Roux talks about his music career and fatherhood
Born Sinesipho Peter a.k.a Bravo Le Roux, a talented South African hip hop artist and music producer. Born and bred in the vibrant township of Khayelitsha - Cape Town, Bravo often times describes himself as a 'township bru,' reflecting his humble beginnings and the cultural influences that shape his art. The stage name 'Bravo Le Roux' originated from Bravo's early days as a young soccer enthusiast at Kleinmond Pimary School, where the nickname stuck and eventually became synonymous with his musical identity. With a unique sound that blends hip hop rhythms with authentic township storytelling that resonates with audiences, Bravo Le Roux has been making waves in the South African music scene with collaborations from well established artists. Read more | From Khayelitsha to international runways, Mzukisi Mbane on turning passion into award-winning success In an interview with DRUM, Bravo told us how his passion for music started and how he grew very fond of being a creative. 'I used to play soccer for the Football Foundation in Gansbaai, a development for Newcastle from Britain. I played for the national team, the under 13-14, and that's when I also had the opportunity to partake in the soccer world cup in 2010. However, as I grew older music kept on tightening its grip on me then I outgrew my love for soccer, and I eventually gave music a chance,' he said. Bravo described his creative process in songwriting as natural, saying he doesn't think much but just allows his heart to lead him. 'I don't write a lot of songs, most of my songs are freestyle. I believe ideas, information or archives, have been left for us by our ancestors, so everything is in the universe, you just need to catch it. So, when I'm creating music, I'm very present, I listen to the universe, I listen to myself, my deeper self, I try to gather memories from experiences. Try to think how something made me feel and I tell a story based on that then just build from it.' Read more | KwaMashu-born runner, Nate Ngcobo, beats paralysis odds in Comrades Marathon As Father's month is celebrated in June, Bravo shared his thoughts on what it means to be a father. For Bravo, being a father is about more than just providing; it's about being present and being a source of love and protection for his daughter. He emphasises the importance of keeping things real and authentic with his child. 'I honestly don't want to be a musician to her. I don't want to be a superstar to her. I don't want to be Bravo Le Roux to her. I'd like her to figure out maybe 12 years later who her dad actually is. My primary role is to be her father and not a well-known figure. I want to instil or teach her values by being her dad, and one of those many values would be for her to know God, His kindness and grace, those are the values that really matter to me. I'd like her to get close to God and know that's actually our father. Lastly, I'd really like her to be a kind person, to extend kindness to others and to be very graceful,' Bravo said. He added that his approach to parenting is centered around giving his daughter the freedom to grow and develop into her own person. 'To be honest, I don't have any unrealistic expectations. It's my first daughter, it's my first time being a dad, and the moment I have expectations, I might get disappointed when they are not fulfilled. I am in her life to accompany her to become whatever she needs to become. It's not the other way around. I need to be there for her, to guide and support her.' Read more | Meet Lubelo Scott, a lawyer who grew up in prison and is now breaking barriers in court halls Addressing the current state of affairs in South Africa, particularly the GBV crisis and what measures can be taken, Bravo expressed a powerful viewpoint. 'GBV is really a crisis, and I don't think anyone should have to go through that, be it men or women, no one at all. And at home growing up I've experienced GBV in many layers, one of the reasons that made me not to want have kids as it really affected me. However, I think everything that needed to be done has been done. Women have done everything possible to keep themselves safe from violence. I believe now that there's nothing women can be told on keeping themselves safe as they've done it all already. And I'm raising a girl in this very vile world and society, and I'm forced to have such conversations with her but where do I even begin having a conversation with my child on protecting herself from being molested or abused? So, it really cuts deep and sad that we now must teach our sisters, daughters and mothers how to fight just to stay alive. Men just need to do better and stop abusing women,' he emphasised. Read more | Meet Xola Toto, the Gospel voice inspiring a new generation As Men's Mental Health Awareness is also observed in June, Bravo shared his thoughts on the importance of men prioritising their mental well-being. 'Men need to find safe spaces where they can be vulnerable. When you feel pain, you need to let it out so find a safe haven, even if it's in brotherhood, where you can meet every other day to just talk about stuff in an effort to not suffer alone. Also don't be sad or sulk about something forever, that causes your life to be stagnant which could lead to depression, if you want to be sad about something, do so but don't dwell or sulk about it for too long. Get back up, dust yourself and be happy for a new dawn, as worse as it is, someone out there has it worse than you,' he said. He concluded by saying he prioritises his mental health by not succumbing to the pressures of the industry. 'I prioritise my own mental health by not comparing myself to anyone. I make music because it makes me feel good, not because it makes me relevant or famous. So, if I release a song and it's not gaining traction as much, then it's okay I don't have to compare myself to anyone else, because the moment I do that, I'm no longer living authentically as I'll want to step up and be in that person's level - not that it's a bad thing being inspired but when it's done under pressure it costs you and I don't do that.'
News24
an hour ago
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5 minutes with contemporary gospel artist Musa Yende
Musa Yende has been adding her angelic voice to the gospel music scene since 2011, giving her backing vocals for famed artists like Benjamin Dube and Dr Tumi. Musa is now spreading her wings as a solo vocalist, launching her latest single uMelusi and debut EP Sustained by Grace, while staying true to her message of love, acceptance and faith through her spirituality. The 31-year-old songstress is currently gearing up for a one-of-a-kind live experience with famed artists like Ghanaian gospel singer Grace Charles and South African musicians Khaya Mthethwa and Brendan Praise, with many looking forward to tuning into their graceful hymns of worship. View this post on Instagram A post shared by musayende (@musayende_) Get to know more about Musa and the inspirations behind her music as we catch up with the songbird. Your new single uMelusi is both powerful and deeply emotional. What message were you hoping to convey through this song? 'The message I was trying to convey was really just a reminder that the one who has promised is faithful. A great shepherd who leads us with kindness and consistency until we get to where he wants us to be. A great shepherd who's goodness and mercy follows us all the days of our lives.' You've performed alongside gospel legends like Pastor Benjamin Dube and Dr. Tumi. How have those experiences shaped your journey as a solo artist? 'Conversations, prayers, rehearsals and even quiet moments back stage with them often fed my spirit. They carried memory than music - they carried wisdom. I learnt that your spiritual life must lead your stage life.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by musayende (@musayende_) You're known for blending traditional gospel with contemporary sounds. What inspires you to push the boundaries of the genre while staying rooted in faith? 'Honestly what really pushed me was the desire to create music that my grandmother would worship to, but that my younger sister could also connect with. But more than anything it was the Holy Spirit that gave me permission to.' The response to uMelusi has been overwhelming. How does it feel to see such anticipation building ahead of your live EP performance? 'The response has been so incredible and heartwarming. I'm so glad I said yes to doing it for God. The response has been proof that I'm in the right path and there's so many people I get to lead to Christ and that's totally worth it.' Having toured internationally and worked as a backing vocalist, what lessons or insights are you bringing into this new chapter of your career as a front-line artist? 'One of the biggest lessons I'm bringing it not this new season is that serving prepares you for leading! Also traveling and singing behind incredible artists taught me value of humility, discipline and spiritual sensitivity. You learn to listen - not just musically but spiritually. You learn that what happens off stage matters just as much as what happened off stage.'
News24
3 hours ago
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Noma Mngoma, Sonia Booth, Dawn Thandeka King and Nonku Williams share their divorce stories
Showmax has introduced a new show called Untied to tell divorce stories of public figures. The show features actresses, businesswomen and media personalities, including Norma Mngoma, Nonku Williams and Dawn Thandeka King. Untied will be hosted by media personality Relebogile Mabotja. It premieres on 24 June on Showmax. Eight famous women are set to open up and become vulnerable as they share their divorce stories in a new show presented by media personality Relebogile Mabotja. Making the list are reality TV stars, businesswomen, broadcasters and actresses. The Showmax original by GOAT Productions, which also produced Unfollowed and The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip—South Africa, will have the featured women dive deep into their divorce stories and life after divorce. Untied promises to tackle the uncomfortable yet honest truths behind the women's stories while also opening up the floor to truth-telling, vulnerability and healing. The women will let viewers in on their stories, including tales of infidelity, abuse, depression, family conflict, grief, survival, and ultimately, rebirth. The first episode will feature Norma Mngoma, who is the ex-wife of politician Malusi Gigaba. Their fallout was witnessed through social media and mainstream media, with Malusi's cheating ways being exposed and Mngoma being arrested by the Hawks in July 2020 on charges of malicious damage to property and crimen injuria. The charges were withdrawn by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in 2021, citing that her arrest was unlawful. More episodes will feature reality stars Beverly Steyn and Nonku Williams, actresses Dawn Thandeka King, Mona Monyane and Palesa Madisakwane, media personality Zandi Nhlapo, and model and social entrepreneur Sonia Booth, whose fallout with ex-husband, retired football star Matthew Booth was witnessed in real time on social media. The multi-award-winning Mabotja, who will also be taking up the associate producer role, said she first pitched for the show through her production company, Lebotja Media, but she did not get it. However, the universe aligned, she said, as she added that she was happy to be brought in as the host. Mabotja has built a name and cemented herself in the entertainment industry as an actress on shows such as Zone 14, Generations, Rhythm City and Isidingo, just to name a few. She currently hosts 702 Afternoons with Relebogile Mabotja and Unpacked with Relebogile Mabotja on S3 and has a podcast called The Relebogile Mabotja Podcast on YouTube. Supplied Mabotja is also a producer behind huge shows like Miss South Africa, the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs), musician Tyla's Showmax Homecoming Concert and the upcoming Shaka Ilembe season 2 Gold Carpet Experience. The media personality shared that some moments were too painful to process in real time. 'There's a moment that absolutely broke me. It was a story of losing a child. As a mother, I couldn't hold back the tears. We've been raised to see a woman's value in whether she can attract and keep a man. Untied challenges that idea,' said Mabotja. She added: I don't think there's a single episode where I was not shocked or moved just by the details and what some of these women have not just been through but have also overcome. My face completely gives me away. I hope viewers walk away more empathetic. Not just to the women on this show, but to their partners, their friends, their sisters, and most importantly, to themselves. Mabotja said she was intentional about ensuring the show does not slip into gossip. She said she created a space for the woman to be vulnerable. She added that she also kept things respectful, considerate and mindful at all times. Showmax has released the trailer, and viewers seem to be looking forward to it, while others suggest that even the men must be called for their side of the story. Untied is set to drop its first episode on Showmax on Tuesday, 24 June.
