As a poet, actor, and musician, Zola has emerged as the superstar of Kwaito and is a man blessed with many talents. Zola grew up in Soweto, in the ghetto called Zola, hence the name. Though he is standing on the brink of greatness, he is under no misconception of his past or future.
“Kwaito kids are made from hunger, abuse, no father, violence, guns … Now as adults we must change the game for the better… Now we must change everything we are made from.” – Zola
And although Zola is by far the most successful kwaito artist in SOUTH AFRICA today, he is forever conscious of societies growing needs, pains and tribulations, which is why he tackles issues such as prostitution, statutory rape and the need for fathers to step up to the plate and be real fathers in his new album “Ibutho”. But, Zola also doesn’t forget that in all our sadness and pain we must yet again in true South African fashion rejoice and dance. Ibutho is a celebration of life.
Zola's debut album has sold over 180 000 copies in less than a year. What distinguishes Zola’s home grown sound from other Kwaito artists are his challenging lyrics reflecting an intelligence and maturity not often found in Kwaito music.
“Umdlwembe” is a kwaito gem with themes ranging from ghetto life to a tribute to Zionism. The album contains “Hip-Hop”, gospel and hints if traditional Zulu and Sotho Music.
Zola’s second album “Khokhovuka” which was released in October 2002 sold over
100,000 copies. Hit track “Sana Lwam” featuring Unathi, has seen Zola airplay on every radio station in South Africa.
Zola dropped his third album that is a bombshell of an album ingeniously titled Bhambatha.
Working on Bhambatha was a challenge for both Zola and Thaso (the producer). “I had to treat this like it was my first time in the studio, almost like I was recording Umdlwembe, my first album,” said Zola. “This album was more involved for me, I found myself reflecting on real situations I was faced with daily”
“Greytown” featuring Ihashi Elimhlope reflects the availability of guns in the black community. The big question is where do they come from?
“Don’t Cry,” featuring Thembisile (who met Zola after writing Zola 7, about her dream to become an Opera singer), the song talks of giving back hope to those whose situation looks bleak. “X-Girlfriend”, featuring Maduvha (pronounced Maduba) (actress and singer of Gaz’lam and Muvhango fame) is in the right place for those going through the pain of losing their loved ones. “Moroba”, featuring kwaito fabulous winner Bravo, shows off the music skill and versatility possessed by Zola as he flips it and does a magical hip hop track.
Bhambatha reflects the mature side of Zola; the young kwaito boy has taken a back seat, for now. “being a dad has made me appreciate and cherish life more, I have to think twice before I do something irresponsiable,” says Zola.
After spending many months in the studio Bhambatha is one of the best produced albums 2004. Thus far Bhambatha has sold over 120 000 copies.
Zola 7, Zola’s new Television program, has cast Zola as the Ghetto Dream Maker, where on each show he makes peoples dreams come through every week. Recently the program is now doing segments all over Africa. This year, Zola will see himself traveling to Botswana, Nigeria, Lesotho, and Namibia to make the dreams of Africa come true!
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