On the seat with South Africa’s new singing sensation, Bulelwa “Zahara” Mkutukana.
Who is Zahara Mkutukana?
– She is a very down to earth girl who loves God and music born in the Eastern Cape,the 5th child of the 6 children born to Mlamli and Nokhaya Mkuthukana.
What’s your strongest memory of your childhood?
– I use to love the colorful woolen scarves my mom used to make for us during winter time.
When did you first discover your music talent?
– When I was 13 yrs old and I was made a worship team leader in church.
How long have you been performing?
– Been performing for 3 years now.
If you had to describe your music in three or four words, what would you call it?
– Soulful,inspiring,emotional and loving.
Describe a real-life situation that inspired you?
– When my dad built us our very first house with his own hands.
Favourite or most inspirational place in SA?
– Robben Island
What musical activities were you involved in prior to Playing Guitar?
– School plays.
Any influences or anyone you look up to when it comes to singing?
– Mama Miriam Makeba.
Does your song writing stem mostly from personal experiences?
– Yes.
Back to early childhood, what was your first experience with music for the first time like? What song do you remember most as a child?
– I was just having fun singing as a child with my family , the song I used to like was “Amazulu ayababaza”.
Do you have your own favourite type of music and is it any different from what you play now?
– Soulful music and that’s the kind of music I do.
How did you hook up with TK and Sbu (TS Records)?
– TK saw me performing at a Music lounge called Talamanca in East London and spoke to his partner DjSbu about me and that’s how I got to sign with TS records.
Now your first album “Loliwe” how would you describe it?
– It’s soulful and inspiring.
What’s the story behind the song “u’Loliwe” / how did it come up?
– It was inspired by fathers who travel by trains to go look for jobs in the big cities living their families behind,some come back and some don’t.
Your album selling out in 72 Hours, how did you feel?
– I was shocked.
If you had the opportunity to change something about the music industry what would it be?
– more campaigns to encourage people not to buy pirated music.
Your most embarrassing moment?
– When my 2 guitar strings broke during my performance……. I had to rely on my voice.
How do you think you would like to be remembered?
– As a girl next door who changed touched lives by her music.
If you had only five minutes on earth to perform one song that could leave a great impact on the world today, what song would you perform and why?
– My song Ndiza because it talks about being reunited with your loved ones.
Is there anyone special you would like to thank for making your dream come true as an artist?
– 2 people,Khanyiswa Neli who is a friend that has stood by me and always believed I will be a star and of course TK Nciza who recorded and took my music to the people.
Any last words of advice for aspiring musicians?
– Never give up ,work hard and pray! Dreams do come true!!
Follow Zahara on this Social Networks:
Zahara Mkutukane & Friends
@ZaharaSA_Fans
sanele@tsrecords.co.za
