Kelly Khumalo On Her New Single ‘Empini’, The Industry And Other Exciting Projects

Miss Kelly Khumalo / 35 / Singer, Actress, Dancer

Your latest single, Empini, what’s the message behind it?

Conquer everything that is set to destroy you.

You have a great music catalogue, which album would you say is your best one so far?

Unleashed.

Why did you choose music?

I chose music because it speaks to my soul.

What do you feel when you sing?

Liberated.

What would you change about the industry?

Recognizing the true gifts instead of gimmicks.

Funniest moment of your career?

Falling on stage and pretending it was part of the choreography piece.

One thing your fans still don’t know about you?

I’m very shy, hence I have the character/alter ego ‘Barbra’ on social media under my #ControversyCornerWithBarbra.

What have you learnt about yourself this year?

I have learnt that I am powerful and gifted than I give myself credit for.

Any projects you have planned you’d like to share?

My reality show, ‘Life With Kelly Khumalo’, my gin, ‘Controversy Gin’ and my upcoming album, ‘The Voice Of Africa’.

 

Follow Kelly Khumalo!

Instagram: @kellykhumaloza

Twitter: @KellyKhumaloZA

 

-Bridgette Makhela

Ayanda Thabethe On Her Modeling, Acting, TV Hosting And Entrepreneurial Career

Ayanda Thabethe

Actress | TV Host | Model | Entrepreneur

Who is Ayanda?

A lover of God, family and friends. Ambitious and carving my own path, my own way.

How did you break into the modeling industry?

After many closed doors, due to my height and lack of exposure, I reached out to a friend who happened to know my current agency head. He then put us in contact with each other and when she saw my pictures, she immediately signed me to the agency under which I now work under.

Was it a surprise to be selected as an E! Africa Television host?

A complete surprise and an absolute honour and privilege. I had worked with the team before on a production for SABC 1, a movie called Zion. They remembered me from then and called me for E!, much to my amusement and delight.

Any other avenues you are focusing on this year?

I’m focusing on my Marketing agency Buzzworthy that I have been running with my business partner for over a year now. We are seeing great strides in the business and just want to continue with the momentum. I’m also quite excited for my BIG acting debut on one of South Africa’s leading drama series, Rockville, as a lead.

Being a model for Khosi Nkosi, how did that come about?

I suppose when you are being authentic and running your own race people get drawn to you as a person, so I suppose that’s what happened with Khosi Nkosi. I just received a call regarding being the face of their Autumn range and I couldn’t say no. The brand fit was just right. Khosi Nkosi speaks to the woman that is taking strides, owning her talent and is a go-getter, I believe that describes me perfectly. Needless to say, the campaign was a hit!

How do you maintain your fitness and health?

I really struggle in this department, for me it’s a matter of trying, falling off and getting back again. I try my best to eat healthy but I have an extremely sweet tooth which is a big problem. Otherwise I exercise with my mates as often as possible. I do enjoy spinning quite a lot.

Music or milk?

Music… It soothes the soul in a way that nothing else can.

Who makes you laugh?

Nothing gets me like a good quality conversation with great sense of humour.

Describe your life in one word…

Grace.

Favourite quote?

“It takes a long time to become an overnight success.”

Follow Ayanda!

Instagram: @ayandathabethe_

Twitter: @ayandathabethe_

 

–Bridgette Makhela