Kelly Khumalo opens up about life after Senzo Meyiwa

Kelly Khumalo appears in the latest issue of Moziak magazine where she spoke about the year she’s had.

In the interview with the online magazine, Khumalo opened up about media scrutiny and being in the public eye where she said: “I mean, what can I say? I’m not going to sit here and pretend to be a victim and cry over every bad thing people have said about me. I understand the life I lead and what comes with it and I have grown thick skin over the years and learnt to deal with it.

“Yes, sometimes it hurts, sometimes it cuts deep, but for the most part I have learnt to leave them to it. There will always be doubters and detractors.

However, the Senzo Meyiwa case brought the singer back into the spotlight after Police Minister, Bheki Cele said police had arrested five suspects in the murder case and leaked documents on social media suggested police were investigating Khumalo’s involvement in Meyiwa’s death.

Social media had a field day with the allegations with many weighing in on her involvement with the case.

Tell us about The Voice of Africa, what made you choose to theme your album around the continent?

This album was rooted in Africa. Anybody who knows me knows I am proudly African and I always encourage Africans to embrace their roots, to unite and to learn about our respective cultures.

The Voice of Africa was really me paying homage to African women, African people and telling authentic African stories using my gift – my voice. Hence the title, The Voice of Africa came about. There are a lot of negative stereotypes about a lot of African things; from our unique spiritual practices, to our medicinal practices, even down to how we view other Africans, so this album for me was also about educating my listeners about this beautiful place we come from.

At a time when a lot of artists were delaying releases, what made you continue to go ahead with your plans?

Well to be honest, most of my album was recorded before lockdown so I wouldn’t say I experienced any delays. One of the songs, Esphambanweni, the vocalists (myself and Hlengiwe Mhlaba) recorded it at separate venues but aside from that, everything else was all done. The only thing left once lockdown began was mixing and mastering and once that was done, we planned a release date and thankfully, we were able to go ahead with it.

For me, I consider myself to be an artist rather than just a musician, and once I complete a body of art I send it out to the world and see what the reaction will be.

Speaking of art, are you never worried that some people will misinterpret your message, like what happened with the Empini music video where people accused you of Blackface?

Can I tell you something? I knew there would be something like that. I knew that despite all the research I had done, and the historical background behind the role I was portraying (the Egyption goddess Bastet), there was going to be someone who looked for the negative in it. So I was prepared for those blackface comments and when they came about, I simply explained my reasoning for the video. Art is always subjective, it can be controversial but only if you don’t have the context. Context is everything.

Do you ever think that the media and some people in the country are just looking for an excuse to paint you in a bad light?

I mean, what can I say? I’m not going to sit here and pretend to be a victim and cry over every bad thing people have said about me. I understand the life I lead and what comes with it and I have grown thick skin over the years and learnt to deal with it.

Yes, sometimes it hurts, sometimes it cuts deep, but for the most part I have learnt to leave them to it. There will always be doubters and detractors.

With the country closed (again!) do you miss performing live in front of an audience?

I miss it so much, I miss the electricity of the stage but at the same time I understand why things are the way they are. These are not normal times that we are living in.

Once things open up across the globe, what is the one iconic venue you would love to perform at?

Oh wow! You’re putting me on the spot here. There are so many that come to mind, I think I would love to do some venues across the continent. I would love to perform in West and East Africa, as well as other parts of Southern Africa. If I have to choose one “iconic venue” … maybe Madison Square Garden in New York City.

That’s the perfect venue for a singer such as yourself. I have to ask about your skills as a vocalist, how did you become such a powerful singer?

Thank you! I have always said that I grew up as a gospel singer, I grew up singing in the church. When you sing in church, you learn so much about music and vocals and you have to have a powerful voice to command that pulpit. So my church background definitely helped, then the rest I guess is just my natural gift.

But to be honest, I’ve been thinking of getting a vocal coach and it’s something I want to work on soon.

Are you joking? Shouldn’t you be the vocal coach?

[Laughs] As much as I think I am a great singer, I believe a coach could help me become even better and even more purposeful with my voice. Even Beyonce had a vocal coach. No matter how good you are, someone out there can still take you to the next level.

Well we’ve seen you sing everything from Afropop to gospel and even RnB. As you expand your range, could we ever see you doing some of SA’s current mainstream genres like amapiano and gqom?

NO! No, not me. [Laughs] Don’t get me wrong for one second, I love both of those genres, and I am not saying there is anything wrong with gqom vocalists or amapiano singers at all. It’s just not really suited for my voice unless, I don’t know, if it’s possible to slow it down or something.

…But there are some soulful amapiano songs!

Okay, true. Let me say that I probably won’t do a gqom song, but if it was a smooth and soulful, loungey amapiano song then maybe.

Any message to the country ahead of 2021?

It’s been a long year and I know that we are all tired right now but we still need to remain strong, remain disciplined for some of the months ahead. It hasn’t been easy but part of me believes the worst is behind us. Let’s just try our best to remain strong, remain diligent for these next few weeks or months until we have finally won this battle.

Mzansi responds to Rasta’s portrait of Big Zulu

Rasta has shown off his latest work after giving Big Zulu his best shot on New Year’s. The South African artist took to social media to give Mzansi a glimpse at the artwork, captioning it: “2020 is the year siyenza imali eningi, wallets zethu zequmbe, nina nithini.

Rasta was aiming for Big Zulu, but most think it makes a pretty good self-portrait. Image: Rasta, Big Zulu Source: Twitter This time around Mzansi was certain that the art actually did resemble a local celebrity, Rasta himself.

Take a look at just a few of the responses to the post below: @Ori_Debig_Beats: “Drawing yourself might be nice mmmh.

2020 is the year siyenza imali eningi, wallets zethu zequmbe, nina nithini. @BigZulu_ZN pic.twitter.com/MC74uVwD7F

— Rasta The Artist (@RastaArtist) January 1, 2021

@_Ozzie_ndzabela: “My thoughts exactly.”

@unclescrooch: “Rasta how can we make money last year?” @HermaineM: “He’s stuck in 2020.”

@Inenekazi_: “Nice to see you painting yourself for a change.”

@LihleMangethe: “Exactly my thoughts, the jersey makes it worse even.”

@IamDallc: “Eiy yaz Rasta. I know that feeling where you have something else in your mind but when you tryna put it out it becomes something else. Keep trying soldier!

How SA celebrities use snakes to gain riches and fame – Former slay-queen Jackie Phamotse spill the beans

Award-winning author Jackie Phamotse left many tongues wagging on social media in November after she accused some famous faces in the entertainment industry of using “snakes” and “witchcraft” to achieve success.

The author shared an IGTV Live video where she discussed dark things regarding some of Mzansi’s faves.

In the video, the controversial author claimed some celebs’ lifestyles don’t translate to the “gigs” they have.

As her name became a trending topic on Twitter, sparking a massive debate about whether snakes were really being used as a tool for success, she told a local publication she was glad people were talking about the topic.

Speaking about the overwhelming response, Jackie said, “I’m quite glad people are speaking about it, and I hope they are speaking about it to enlighten and educate themselves on the issue at hand, being ukuthwala or cults. It’s a global phenomenon which is not new to the black tradition.”

She explained that what Mzansi needed to do was to understand the positive and negatives regarding these practices. “I hope people soak in the knowledge that has been imparted from specialists, from sangomas, from myself. Even in my recent book [Eagle] I speak very widely about s.e.x cults.”

In an exclusive interview, Gogo Bathini validated Jackie’s claims that snakes were used to acquire riches. He also revealed that he specialises in dealing with celebrities and politicians, but wouldn’t be drawn into revealing any names.

“A snake, if it is well-bred with the right muti on it, can make your business go from one to 100. I personally specialize with celebrities, pastors, all sorts of prominent people, entrepreneurs, business people, a lot.

“If I were to be given the right to talk, I could mention a lot of celebrity and political names and you would be shocked.”

Gogo Bathini shared that birds also bring good luck.

“As you can hear, there are birds chirping in the background in their little cage. They form part of what I do as a traditional healer besides snakes. There’s a lot I can do for many people.”

The traditional healer revealed the types of snakes that were apparently used to bring one riches.

“The snakes are not the same in everybody. It’s either a snake as a pet or a snake to bring wealth. It’s not the same.

“Other snakes bring luck without sleeping with anyone. Some snakes bring luck with the terms and conditions of sleeping with somebody. I have samples of snakes that bring luck without sleeping with anyone.”

Though she didn’t drop names, Jackie shared enough hints to make some tweeps draw their own conclusions.

“I’m not saying all rich people live like this, no. I’m saying there’s a small portion of people who live like this consistently. They will make you believe that they’ve got gigs, they’ve got endorsements. They will make you believe they are selling these products that are giving them millions.

“But behind that facade, there are four or five men who are funding this. They are consistently going to sangomas, they are consistently changing friends because the more the friends know, the trickier it becomes,” Jackie claimed in her IGTV Live.

Zimbabwe shuts down borders as Covid-19 cases surge

The Zimbabwean government imposed a national lockdown with immediate effect on Saturday.

People who were planning to travel in and out of Zimbabwe will have to wait after government closed for 30 days with immediate effect except for commercial services only, the International Cross-Border Traders Association (ICTA) confirmed.

This is after Zimbabwe’s government on Saturday imposed a national lockdown with immediate effect, following a surge in Covid-19 cases, creating a major problem for most citizens who rely on the informal employment sector.

Only essential services, such as hospitals, pharmacies and supermarkets will remain operational for the next 30 days, putting more pressure on already poverty-stricken families.

The country is already struggling with a deepening economic crisis, hyperinflation and high unemployment.

The government first imposed a nationwide lockdown in March to contain the spread of Covid-19, but had eased most of those measures amid fears of further economic malaise

Vice President and Health minister Constantino Chiwenga told reporters there had been a huge spike in cases over the festive season which almost doubled the number of infections recorded throughout the year.

“In light of the recent surge in Covid-19 cases the following stiff lockdown measures are being put in place with immediate effect,” he said.

“Gatherings are reduced to not more than 30 people at all funerals. All other gatherings at weddings, churches, bars, bottle stores, gymnasiums, restaurants etc etc are banned for 30 days,” he added.

Even premises providing essential services will have to close at 3pm. A new overall curfew will run from 6pm to 6am.

Covid-19 cases have almost doubled in two months from 8,374 at the start of November to 14,084 now.

A total of 369 virus-related deaths have been recorded in the country since the outbreak of the pandemic.

Pics: South African Ministers and their glamorous wives

They’re beautiful, stylish and intelligent

Behind every great man is an equally great woman!

Take a look at the fabulous females behind SA’s ministers

Nozuko Mbalula – wife of Fikile Mbalula, Minister of Transport

Thembeka Ngcobo – wife of Bheki Cele, Minister of the Police

Philisiwe Buthelezi – wife of Nathi Mthethwa, Minister of Arts and Culture

Bridgette Radebe – wife of Jeff Radebe, Minister of Energy. He served in the government of South Africa as Minister in the Presidency from 2014 to 2018. Previously he was Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development from 2009 to 2014.

Mandla Ncgongwane opens up on his decision to cast Sjava on his hit drama series eHostela

Award-winning director Mandla Ncgongwane has opened up about his decision to cast muso and actor Sjava on his hit drama series eHostela.

In an exclusive interview, Mandla confirmed that Sjava will “shake things up” on the show as a villain called Fish.

“Sjava has always been such an amazing actor, I’ve worked with him musically as well. He also did the soundtrack for Vula Vala. I’ve always admired his work when it comes to that, so we brought him in to basically shake things up as one of the antagonists within the story, and he’s also doing the music.”

Earlier this year, Sjava made headlines amid social media reports that his role on popular SABC 1 soapie Uzalo had been terminated because of a sexual assault case against him. City Press added that the SABC had allegedly told Uzalo’s executive producers that they had made a mistake by casting him.

Though the case was later thrown out by the National Prosecuting Authority, there were several calls for him to be dropped from shows and radio stations over the allegations.

Mandla said he was not worried about the possibility of fans doing the same with eHostela.

“Boycotting Sjava? How about other actors, how about other artists, how about everything else? You know what I mean? So, for me, that’s how I look at it.

“I’m not [scared] at the possibility of a boycott, as what I think is it will actually do is attract people, because his case is pretty much done now. So, must we shun him? Must we take him out? It’s very challenging, unless he was found guilty and taken to prison, then that would’ve been a different story.”

The award-winning director added that having Sjava on the show will help people appreciate him more.

“People have been craving Sjava, they haven’t seen him in a while. He’s been living under this whole entire thing that has been a kind of a cloud over his life. But now he can express himself.”

Mandla went on to explain what inspired the show.

“Basically it’s about a guy who’s been the number one hitman in KwaZulu-Natal, who’s murdered people and his then-girlfriend got murdered by one of the biggest and ruthless hitmen in the Durban hostels.

“Born without any mother and father or any other family member, the hitman heads to the city of gold where he is met by a headman that runs the Joburg hostel, who then turns out to be his uncle. And, that’s basically his only hope to get rid of these demons that he faces on a daily basis.”

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