Thiwe Mbola / 31 / Singer/Songwriter
Tell us about your album Soul Therapy…
Soul Therapy is my second album, released last year September. It has eleven tracks and was produced by Demor with the exception of ‘I Am Woman’, which was produced by Sun-El as well as ‘I Care For You’, which was produced by Mondli Ngcobo. I wrote six of the songs and co-wrote two. Sbu Nkomo wrote a beautiful Sesotho love song, and two were written by Mondli Ngcobo. The album has three features, which include Zano, Ziyon and Busiswa. It’s a beautiful body of work that showcases my songwriting, vocal capabilities and growth as a storyteller.
What inspired the album?
The album is inspired by my own personal journey. I sing about faith, prayer, spirituality, heartbreak, loneliness, love, a man’s role in society and female solidarity.
What are your favourite songs on the album, if any?
‘I Am Woman’ (a celebration of being a modern day woman and encouragement for women to celebrate their individuality and that of others). ‘Just A Matter Of Time’ is also close to my heart as it’s a reminder that as much as I am nowhere near where I want to be, things will work out eventually.
Any collaborations on the album that stood out for you?
All three collaborations are special. I believe Zano and I are vocal soulmates, what we make together is just magical. Ziyon came in to do vocal arrangement and ended up recording a verse for ‘Just A Matter Of Time’. We really blend well together. The collaboration with Busiswa is special because the one thing I wanted most for the album was female collaborations and she’s the only one who agreed. Her energy on ‘Ubuhle Bendoda’ was exactly what I expected.
Have you always been in the music business?
I have been in the music business since 2004. I started out with doing backing vocals, and then got into the music business learnership, from there I got into artist management and worked on The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz and did PR for Kem when he came to South Africa for the first time. So even when I’m not making music, I’m somehow still involved in the background.
What can you reveal about your journey in the industry so far?
My journey has not been all moonlight and roses but I wouldn’t change anything about it. I have grown a backbone and learnt to do things myself and all this really does come in handy, especially when you are a woman in a male dominated industry.
How’s your schedule for 2016 looking like?
2016 started off on a good note when I got nominated for a Metro FM Music Award in the Best Female category. So God willing, I’ll be bringing it home. I’m heading to the Miami Winter Music Conference in March for two performances and to record a collaboration with the legendary house vocalist Barbara Tucker. One other collaboration with Charles Webster has just been put to bed. I’d love to take Soul Therapy on the road to promote it as I know that many people still don’t know me and my work. Other than that, I’m working behind the scenes for a few projects close to my heart. I’ll definitely be revealing them when the time is right.
What can you tell young talented women that would love to take the same road as you?
When talent is there, don’t ever compromise your values in order to succeed. It’s very appealing to fast forward the hustle by doing things you wouldn’t normally do that compromise everything you stand for, but it’s so rewarding to see your hard work paying off.
*Soul Therapy is available on iTunes and in music stores*
Follow Thiwe!
Instagram: @thiwem
Twitter: @Thiwe
Facebook: Thiwe Mbola
–Bridgette Makhela
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