Zolani Mahola, internationally loved and known as the face and voice of Freshlyground, is taking centre stage in her first one-woman show, called The One Who Sings from November 19 – 23, 2019 at the Baxter Theatre.
Along with captivating and lively storytelling, Zolani manages to interweave her original new music with some of her most well-known songs. This takes the audience on an intimate journey through the eyes of a young girl growing up in a divided South Africa during the 80s, opening up for the first time about her struggles in a country which itself is grappling with its own wounds and sense of identity.
She courageously shares details from her life, from her tumultuous childhood and adolescence, to becoming an artist and national icon. She also shares triumphs such as opening the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and all the many personal and professional victories along the way.
“I’ve decided it’s time for me to share myself in a way I have never done before, and preparing for this show has been a huge part of my healing process,” Zolani says. “Through telling my story, I want to use my voice to gently challenge my fellow humans to rise above our current narrative to create a greater national story.”
Zolani believes that South Africa is at such a critical point in its history and that our old narratives are no longer working.
This is why her raw and honest story of hope and resilience comes at such a crucial time. Collaborating with multi-award winning director Faniswa Yisa, whose performances in recent years include Reza de Wet’s Missing, Ityala Lamawela, Born in the RSA and What Remains, for which she won a Best Actress Award at the 2018 Fleur du Cap Awards, this unique performance evokes powerful and provocative universal themes, leaving audiences feeling both deeply moved and inspired.
You can see The One Who Sings at the Baxter Theatre’s Golden Arrow studio until November 23, and tickets can be booked here.
Picture: Supplied