Zolani Mahola on Bra Hugh as Feminine Force set to dazzle at HughFest

“He was kind of intimidating, like that uncle who had to be respected and very humorous also. He was kind to me, performing with him was a terrific honour,” the former Freshly Ground member, Zolani Mahola, tells The Citizen about her memory of Hugh Masekela.

“There are stories I have with Bra Hugh, but they unfortunately cannot be shared,” averred Zolani, bursting into laughter.

The award-winning muso was named on the line-up for this year’s HughFest taking place later this month at Nirox Sculpture Park in Krugersdorp.

The HughFest which was established a decade ago has been a platform for South Africa’s abundant and diverse talent and this year’s line-up hasn’t veered off this trend.

Alongside Zolani, other artists that will grace the stage are Tresor, The Masekela Band with Kunle Ayo, Ihhashi Elimhlophe, gospel veterans Amadodana Ase Wesile and Moses Molelekwa’s son, Zoe.

Ihhashi Elimhlophe was due to be bestowed the The Lifetime Achievement Award at the now called-off South African Music Awards. Speaking about sharing the stage with the traditional music icon, Zolani spoke glowingly of Ihhashi Elimhlophe.

“I shared the stage with him eSwatini at the Bushfire festival. I was completely blown away by the music, craft, and cultural significance of the whole family.”

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The festival is presented by Assupol and hosted by the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation. This year it has also received support from the National Arts Council.

“HughFest exists as our platform to celebrate ourselves, share our joys and traditions, amplify and enhance our shared human creativity and abilities, encourage and contribute to our social change, express our beliefs and heritage, and enact our dreams of freedom and the promise of our future,” said Masekela’s nephew and festival co-organiser Mabusha Masekela.

““We are proud to be associated with the HughFest since its inception 10 years ago. This is another way that Assupol continues to give back to the communities it serves and support the arts and culture,” averred Head of Group Corporate Affairs at Assupol, Velmah Nzembela.

ALSO READ: Hollywood actress Lupita Nyong’o dumps Hugh Masekela’s son, Selema

The Feminine Force

In 2019 Zolani announced her decision to go solo in her music career, leaving Freshly Ground which she was the lead singer to for at least 17 years. After her exit from the celebrated ensemble, Zolani launched an all-female band, The Feminine Force. During this time she adopted the moniker, The One Who Sings.

“I went on a journey to find my voice and I have done that,” she says. She will share the stage with The Feminine Force on 26 November at the HughFest. “I love this idea of women singing together, “ she says.

“We aim to explore the full range of the feminine voice, from its shades to its emotions, anger to softness, and harness its power for the greater good,” said Zolani.

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The Feminine Force is made up of Sky Dladla, Genevieve Lee, Ntombe Halam, Cal Thompson and Chante Phillip

The band has already graced a few stages and Zolani says the people get the sound and where she is as soon as they hear it. “Once they get a taste of the new offering, they [audience] get a sense that it’s new, it still feels like Zolani but it’s like another layer.”

Zolani the actress

Zolani has travelled the world through her music but most South Africans first came to know her through SABC 1 drama Tsha Tsha where she portrayed the character of Boniswa who always complained to her boyfriend DJ, played by Simphiwe Mtshali.

She burst into incredible laughter when talking about her time on the SABC 1 drama, but says she’d love to go back to acting.

“I have been missing it, that’s what I studied. I did Drama at the University of Cape Town … and I thought I’d be a stage and film actress but music took over. I hope I’ll get a good script and get back into it.”

NOW READ: Former Freshly Ground singer Zolani Mahola launches all-female band, The Feminine Force