Interview With THIWE MBOLA!!!!!!!!!!

 In 2007 South Africa was introduced to the sultry voice of THIWE MBOLA with her debut album "Who Am I".

Her first review by South African newspaper 'Sowetan's' Gugu Sibiya received a rating of 4/5. She received the same rating by other big South African media publications; 'The Sunday Times', 'Drum Magazine and 'Sunday World'.

2010 was a BIG year for this talented songstress with her collaboration with House producer/club DJ Black Coffee on the hit track 'Crazy' which went on to be the best-selling download on traxsource.

Check out our interview with this phenomenal lady:

Your greatest achievement ever?

I can honestly not name anything of materialistic value. However, I’ve grown as an individual and as a woman. I grew up very insecure and always looking for approval from other people but, I’m no longer that person. I can now stand on my own and fight for what I want/believe in.

What musician/artist have inspired you?

Wow! This is a tough for one. I’ll name a few.

Thandiswa Mazwai – she has remained true to her identity and did not give in to what people expected her to be.

Lira – she has proved that with hard work, you can live your dream. She has also shown artists that they need to start treating their craft as a business and not be afraid to take risks.

Slikour & Sugasmax – these guys are husslers. I love how they have gone from being rappers to being businessmen who deal in more than just music promotion/songwriting. I have a great deal of respect for them.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

Hip Hop – Zuluboy

Dance – Tumelo & Zano

Afro Jazz – Wanda Baloyi

Afro Soul – Zonke & MaxHoba

House – eeeerbody, i just want to experiment and enjoy myself as i’m still learning a lot about this genre.

Your 5 year-plan for your career?

Let’s see:

Year 1 - release my long awaited second album. I’m too excited about this one as I have total control of everything!

Year 2 – get my music to the people. I want to ensure that South Africans know my music. I want people across Africa to know my music.

Year 3 - create a space for myself in the music business as a promoter and record company co-owner.

Year 4 – I want to give a chance to new talent. I want to take them under my wing and teach them as much as I can.

Year 5 – maybe I can start working on my 3^rd album, we’ll see if my plans go hand in hand with God’s plans for meJ

Your best performance so far?

Macufe 2009 and 2010 Diva’s Concert! Oh man, I’ve never felt so emotional and content with myself, my voice, and my performance abilities. I have never received so much love from people that didn’t even know I exist, especially because I was amongst the biggest names.

Your advice to people wanting to enter the industry?

Read up as much as you can. Ask questions. Go to events and talk to the relevant people. This is will ensure that people don’t take advantage of you. You also need a backbone as people will ‘always know what’s best for you” and without a backbone, you’ll end up loosing yourself and everything you stand for.

The best advice you have ever received?

“Believe it with all your heart, your mind and actions” LIRA

The best sms you have ever received?

“Whatever happens, don’t give up on Kosmo Music”

This was actually a bbm from my manager/business partner (Mphoza Gift) and Kosmo Music is the name of our company which we shall be releasing my album under.

Favourite quote?

This has to be my favourite questionJ

Jeremiah 29: “for I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek with all your heart”.

If you were deserted on an island, what is the one item you would like to have?

Just one? Hawu? Okay, Faith! Everything is pretty useless coz it needs something else to be useful. Faith will give me strength. Faith will keep my tummy full. Faith will keep me safe. Faith will get me help!

Favourite place in the world?

It has to be my grandma’s ancestoral hut. It gives me peace. I know that no harm can ever get to me when I’m in there. It’s actually difficult to explain this…lol

Favourite location?

I would love to go on a spiritual journey across Africa. Lesotho, Egypt, just need to do my research to see which of the beautiful countries will give me what I need.

Favourite food?

African cuisine baby! I love mogodu, stamp, dumpling, spinach, porridge, wors, the works!

Favourite TV show?

That’s not fair! I’m a couch potatoe! I live in front of the TV…lol.

Right now I love Isidingo, the script-writers, the actors, my goodness! #nuffsaid

Description of your dress-style in one word?

*thinking really hard*……can’t do it in one word coz I’m up for anything, no limits for me. I might be in a maxi dress today coz it complements my body, and I’ll be in hot little number tomorrow coz I feel like showing off my legs or even stay in my track pants coz I just want to be comfortable.

The one thing you want people to know about you?

I may be covered by this very hard shell but once I let you in, you’ll discover that I’m a real softie, a cry baby.

 Thiwe's latest offering will be released by Kosmo Music, a record label she co-owns with entrepeneur/club DJ Mphoza Gift and businessman Lucky.

Produced by award-winners Sipho Sithole and RJ Benjamin, Thiwe's new album is one to look out for!!!!!!!!

Expect big things from this soulful lady. NuffSaid.