Interview with the ‘Leopard Queen’ Tshedi Mholo from Malaika

By Sakhile “Classique” Khanye

We all grew up jamming to Malaika not to mention you would not attend a wedding and not see the bridal team doing steps to their songs. We all wished we could sing that song “destiny” just like the way Tshedi Mholo totally smashes it.

To be honest till today I still attempt to but fam! no one can sing it better than the ‘Leopard Queen’. I have been a fan my whole life and last year I had the opportunity to meet the songbird in South Africa (shout out to Zuware and Vickie Storm).

She recently celebrated her twenty years in the music industry that is why I love calling her a LEGEND!. Ok enough with me fanning out check out my Q and A with the amazing Tshedi Mholo.

Who is Tshedi Mholo?

Tshedi Mholo is a daughter of the most High. I’m a Christian and I love what God has done in my life. I am a Dope Singer, Mom, Wifey, Family Woman, Business Woman, a woman whose willing to risk making dreams come true and a lover of people. I enjoy cooking and family life.

What made you want to be a singer?

I grew up in a musical family and I love everything about them. We always feel over the moon everytime there’s a song playing. Singing has been an inborn thing and nobody can take that away from me.

It`s a gift that one must use to extend a helping hand to the needy. Apart from that being in a successful group like Malaika with such great and amazing people such as Bongani and Jabu (May his Soul Rest In Peace) they made me fall in love with singing more.

If you were not a singer what would you be?.

I’m a teacher by profession and I’m capable of doing a lot. Tell me about a multi talented woman lol.

What do you do when you are not working?

I’m home if I’m not working and taking care of my family and kids of which they are my supporting tool. I love my family and that comes 1st. I’m always on the road and have to create time and space to be a mom and play kiddies games.

We all know you from the famous group Malaika how was it being the only lady amongst guys?

Being the only lady in a group comes with a lot of pressure and challenges. You either strong or weak but I stood tall and made my voice heard in a most reasonable and respectful way. As tough as it was I fought my way up and here I am.

Have you got one advantage and disadvantage of being in a group ?

Being in a group you have to learn to compromise a lot of yourself. It ain’t about you but team work. Yes put your foot down if the shoe doesn’t fit, but it’s fun I loved it during the days of Malaika and crying helps at times make sure you always keep strong.

A disadvantage of being in a group is that you can face some inferiority especially being the only female member.

Outside of yourself who else do you listen to?

I listen to quite a lot of artists which makes it easier for me to find my true self and be original all the time. I love Dancehall and more singers with difficult vocal dynamics and I’m a talent scout based on the different voices I always watch out for.

I love the late Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Mama Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Brenda Fassie, most African Artists who made it big like Malaika and my Black Sisters who keep me on my toes while hoping for a change in this male dominated industry.

Do you think fame can change a person?

Fame comes with a lot of changes. You lose friends and gain some but keep being yourself and you’ll conquer more, that has always been my spirit. Have time to be away from all the noise and reconnect (that helps a lot).

 How do you deal with negativity?

There’s always a better way to tackle negativity either you let it break you or build you. I’ve had my own fair share of this and that but I kept my head high. God is my creator shweeem.

What made you to be part of the UNICEF?