Zahara: People say negative things about me

In July last year, the ‘Umtwalo’ hitmaker announced that she would start running a money lending and taxi business as well as a butchery. Her businesses are in "full swing" and run by her parents and sister. Zahara’s other interests are vested in the music industry. She started her own record label called Music Lives Here Records and has already signed one artist called Skhumbuzo.

Zahara, who last year signed with Warner Music and saw her sixth album Mgodi reach gold status in the first six hours of its release, spoke to Music In Africa ahead of her Lyric Theatre performance In Johannesburg on 3 February.

MUSIC IN AFRICA: What was the most difficult part of your journey into the music industry?

ZAHARA: Music is my life, I tell stories. For our line of work, nobody prepares you. It’s not like studying to become a doctor or a teacher because they prepare you in tertiary education. It is easy for a musician to become a star when they are five years old. You learn as you go.

If you are going to be an entertainer, you must remember one thing — have a big heart. Otherwise you could end up doing things you’re not supposed to do and you could possibly die. I broke into the industry with Loliwe. I just wanted to inspire, I didn’t want to do interviews or appear on TV.

I’m always mocked and people say negative things about me. But I am only here for my music and that’s what I wish they would focus on. We must talk about the music, not me, and we should focus on the story. Nobody focusses on the Zahara Army foundation. My story in the music industry is too clean for people to believe. I was once given a public visit by Mandela. He listened to me while i was singing in my bedroom.

Did you ever feel like quitting music?

There’s a time I wanted to go back home. But my mum told me that a child is born possessing talent. It is up to them to leave it or hold on to it and move forward. The industry is not cruel, it is the people in the industry that make it unkind. The music industry is there for the people. I had to be strong.

If you could start over what would you do differently?

If I could go back and start again, I wouldn’t do anything different. This is my journey, this is how things are meant to be. The hardships I’ve been through made me the person I am. Today I run a company called Music Lives Here Records. And I’m with Warner Music Group, which is international. My inspiration, Tracy Chapman, is signed to Warner Music Group. That is the work of God. I had to experience what I went through in order to be who I am today.

What inspired you to start Music Lives Here Records?

When I left TS Records, I learnt the same way a child does at school. TS Records was like tertiary education. Now I have graduated and what do I do with the degree that I have? I don’t sit with it, I take it further. I thought about the times I was still in the village, hoping that someone will give me this opportunity. Now I’m creating that opportunity for other girls and boys. Skhumbuzo, she’s gold, you are yet to hear her. It’s about honing their talent. And she has zeal for this thing. She will blow.

Do you get nervous before you do a gig?

I’m nervous when I’m going to perform for five people. I always pray before performing. But after the first song I am usually okay.

How are you feeling ahead of your show at the Lyric Theatre?

I’m looking forward to Gold Reef City. It’s not about the moment, it’s not like people don’t know that I have to write, it’s not like I don’t know that I can sing. I don’t have to prove myself. I don’t have to wait to be invited to a festival for me to have a show.

Whoever hasn’t bought their tickets must go get them. I am a storyteller. They must come to hear my story. If you want to hear my story, go get your tickets. It’s obvious that I’ll have a live band.