Storyteller with soul | Voice for the children | The one who sings
Founder & former lead singer of the critically acclaimed Freshlyground; vibrant Zolani Mahola is “The One Who Sings” - a South African Storyteller, a soulful singer, award winning actress & inspirational icon who needs no introduction.
Zolani is much loved and affectionately respected by South Africans for unifying the country through music and bridging social, racial & cultural divides.
Last year she officially announced the launch of her solo career as a musician, storyteller & public speaker.
Zolani is passionate about sharing her experiences for the good of our community and has expanded her portfolio to include what she terms ‘Inspiration Talks’. She believes that the sharing of stories, and real listening, leads to empathy and healing.
In her words: “Our world is changing. The old stories have worn thin. We're telling new stories now. We're creating new realities: ones which inspire and give us true power.”
“I've got a new story. A new chapter - deliberately created. In this part I show respect for myself and my world.” Zolani Mahola
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ZOLANI speaks to Strongest Story on overcoming the devastation of childhood abuse. Her intimate story of overcoming may break your heart, but only as much as it will lift your spirit.
“Overcoming is not a one step process. For me it’s a repetitive meditation; a mantra I repeat (as if for the first time) when I fall into a hole I recognize all too well. I have to remind myself of who I am. When I was small, a boy took my innocence and left me a story of internal guilt. I wore that guilt like a cloak; using it to hide my innermost self from the world. As I get older I get to meet that little girl again and tell her how ingenuous she was to weave that magic coat. As I reach into the hole in the road again, I remind her that it’s a bright sunny day outside. No need for fear. No need for a cloak.”
A message from Strongest Story:
It's been said that “to know her is to love her” but if truth be told, even just the opportunity to meet Zolani is to instantly adore her. I have had the joy of meeting her several times, only because my husband, Michael, and Zolani have worked together in the entertainment industry. Normally I feel like Michael’s “supporting act” at these events and I often stand on the sidelines of these conversations with Michael’s celebrity colleagues. But when I first met Zolani, what endeared me to her was that she made a very natural effort to “notice” me and to connect with me – she even took the time to ask after our children! (I’ve come to know that Zolani loves all of our South African children and uses her voice to uncompromisingly stand up for them!)
Zolani is so much more than a celebrity – she is a wife, a mother and a woman with a strong spirit and a tender heart. What she tells us through her musical stories is raw, real and completely authentic.
She wears her heart with vulnerability and like a crown!
Our most tender love, respect and appreciation goes to you Zolani. Thank you for showing us that the strongest stories are born, not out of comfort, but when we endure and overcome the odds. Strongest Story salutes you!