Latest news with #Mahola
IOL News
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Feel the pride: Zolani Mahola to rock the national anthem at Hollywoodbets Durban July
Zolani Mahola will deliver a rendition of the national anthem at the Hollywoodbets Durban July on Saturday, July 5, 2025. Taking place at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, this year's event promises to be a dazzling celebration under the "Marvels of Mzansi" theme. Zolani Mahola , the renowned lead vocalist of the celebrated band Freshlyground, will deliver a rendition of the national anthem at the Hollywoodbets Durban July on Saturday, July 5. The theme captures the essence of South Africa's vibrant spirit, showcasing the country's rich culture, creative ingenuity, and a fashion scene that stuns. Mahola's performance is set to be one of the highlights of the day, adding a layer of pride and unity to what is not only a prestigious horse racing event but also a full cultural experience. Born and raised in Gqeberha, Mahola's career trajectory is as inspirational as it is impressive. She studied Theatre and Performance at the University of Cape Town and made her mark early on as an actress in the television drama 'Tsha Tsha'. Furthermore, her voice has graced the animated feature film 'Zambezia', where she voiced the character Zoë and lent her talents to the soundtrack with the uplifting song "Get Up'. As the frontwoman of Freshlyground, Mahola emerged as a household name, thanks to the band's unique sound that beautifully blended African pop and jazz, captivating listeners around the globe with hits like the beloved 'Doo Be Doo'. Yet, Mahola's ambitions have transcended her early successes. In recent years, she has carved out a powerful solo career, showcasing her storytelling finesse alongside her remarkable vocal abilities.
Time Out
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Local Intel: Zolani Mahola
From the concert stage to the community activism that has defined her more recent career, Zolani Mahola is a much-loved thread in Cape Town's cultural tapestry. Perhaps best known as the vocal powerhouse at the front of the beloved pan-African band Freshlyground – and, of course, on Shakira's 'Waka Waka' anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup - Mahola has played a key role in defining the sound of South African music over the last two decades. And while 'the one who sings' is still to be found on stage, lately this proud Capetonian is carving out a new chapter in life, blending uplifting music with environmental advocacy and powerful storytelling. She has opened for B.B. King in Paris and voiced a character in Zambezia. In October 2024, she took the stage at New York's Carnegie Hall for the 30th anniversary of South African democracy. She's also involved with two major film projects, including a nature-focused collaboration with My Octopus Teacher director Pippa Ehrlich. In short, Mahola's career goes beyond labels, borders, or genres. In Cape Town, she's a voice for causes as diverse as marine conservation, music education, and gender equity. If you're lucky, you'll still find her on stage creating joy and justice through music and song. In this exclusive Local Intel, Zolani shares the places and spaces across Cape Town where she refills her creative cup.
