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How Mel and Zwai Bala are nurturing their daughter’s talent
Because there is no expiration date on talent, Zwai and Mel Bala are resting on the fact that her talent will always be there to nurture if she ever changes her mind.
Mel Bala and her children | Picture: Supplied
Earlier this year, Melanie ‘Mel’ Bala’s followers were left in awe of her daughter’s talent when the broadcaster shared what she called a proud mommy moment.
Mel took to social media to share a video of her daughter, whom she calls “Miss P” doing voiceover work for an upcoming Disney project.
Considering the fact that she is the daughter of two legends in the South African entertainment industry, it came as no surprise to Mel’s followers that Miss P could sing and that she had snagged a role in such a major project.
The Citizen recently caught up with Bala on the set of Festive Get Together in The Life Artois to chat about all things friendship, connection and family.
“The big thing is, particularly because my ex-husband is a talented musician and he comes from an insanely talented family, he, as a young boy was in theatre doing stage productions,” explains Mel to paint a picture of why her ex-husband, Zwai Bala, understands the demands and the pressure, as well as the amount of work that come with being a young entertainer .
Because of this insight, as parents, Zwai and Mel have taken the decision to only let “Miss P” do what she wants to do.
“She’s still a little bit shy, she’s 10, so we’re letting her lead us in terms of her eagerness and willingness to do stuff.”
Despite being shy, Mel has observed that her daughter has an aptitude for entertaining and assumed that she would like to study drama at some point, however, “Miss P” has indicated that she is apprehensive about having to perform in front of people.
Because there is no expiration date on talent, her parents are resting on the fact that her talent will always be there to nurture if she ever changes her mind.
Festive Get Together
Mel was on set of Festive Get Together in The Life Artois – a show hosted by her long-time friend Unathi Nkayi.
The show was renewed for a second season which is currently airing on Mzansi Magic and Mel was among the guests featured on the show this season. Other guests included Minnie Dlamini, who is also a close friend of Unathi’s as well as Maps Maponyane, J’Something, Khuli Chana and Lamiez Holworthy.
Connecting over conversation and cuisine, in Festive Get-Together in The Life Artois, Stella Artois reminds viewers to find the balance to slow down, get together and connect with loved ones and friends in their busy lives over the festive season.
Unathi and her co-host, restauranteur Alessandro Khojane, do just that as they host high-profile working friends, couples, and families in their journeys to success.
“To be honest, we were a little bit scared. We were like, ‘we’re going to forget that the cameras are rolling and then maybe we’re going to say something that we’re not supposed to…'” said Mel with a laugh before adding that she believes that the level of ease and comfort they have while being in each other’s presence will translate really well to television.
“As much as we’re similar, we also have different opinions on things. We’re not scared to argue, we’re not scared to debate things so it’s going to be a fun show.”
According to Mel, the level of familiarity of being interviewed by a friend also creates what she calls “a safe space” which allows the conversation to take a different shape.
“You’re able to say ‘eh! why are you asking me this?’ which you might not be able to ask anyone else. I don’t think she’d ever ask you anything which is wildly inappropriate or you now, like other interviewers would try and get you into trouble or try and get you to say something that’s controversial and I don’t think that will be the case here.”
