Zolani Mahola Biography: Age, Husband, Children, Net Worth, Songs, Solo Career

Zolani Mahola is a celebrated South African singer, songwriter, actress, and inspirational speaker whose vibrant performances and storytelling have captivated audiences globally.

Best known as the former lead singer of the acclaimed band Freshlyground, she has since embarked on a solo career under the stage name The One Who Sings, blending music, theatre, and advocacy for social change.

Born on July 19, 1981, in Port Elizabeth, her journey reflects resilience, creativity, and a deep connection to her heritage.

Quick Facts

  • Full Name: Zolani Mahola
  • Stage Name: Zolani Mahola
  • Born: July 19, 1981
  • Age: 45 years old
  • Birthplace: Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
  • Nationality: South African
  • Occupation: South African Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Storyteller, and Inspirational Speaker
  • Height: Unknown
  • Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Mahola
  • Siblings: One younger sister
  • Spouse: Nicholas Klemp
  • Children: 2, Zazi Klemp (son), and Eli Klemp (son)
  • Relationship: Married
  • Net Worth: $1 million to $5 million

Early Life and Education

Zolani Mahola, a distinguished singer and songwriter, was born on July 19, 1981, in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa, and raised in the township of New Brighton on Ntshekisa Street. Growing up in a supportive household with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mahola, and a younger sister, she was immersed in church music, traditional community ceremonies, and radio influences that shaped her musical foundation.

Between 1999 and 2001, she lived with her father and sister in Bhisho. Zolani attended Trinity High School, which later merged into St Dominic’s Priory School, and worked as a receptionist at Makro during weekends and holidays in her final year to support herself.

She pursued a Theatre and Performance degree at the University of Cape Town, where her passion for storytelling and performance deepened, setting the stage for her multifaceted career. Her ethnicity is South African, and her religion is not publicly disclosed, though her spiritual connection to nature influences her work.

Career

Zolani Mahola, an acclaimed singer and songwriter, co-founded the pan-African band Freshlyground in Cape Town in 2002, serving as lead singer until 2019. The band’s fusion of jazz, blues, indie rock, and African folk gained international acclaim, notably with their second album, Nomvula (2004), which led The Sunday Times to hail Zolani as one of South Africa’s most inspiring young singers.

Freshlyground’s collaboration with Shakira on “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” the official 2010 FIFA World Cup song, performed at the tournament’s opening and closing ceremonies, brought global recognition. Zolani also sang on The Parlotones’Stardust Galaxies (2009) and toured with Robbie Williams in 2006 as Freshlyground’s supporting act.

Her acting career began with the lead role of Boniswa in the SABC 1 drama Tsha Tsha (2003–2005), followed by voicing Zoë in the animated film Zambezia (2012) and recording its soundtrack song “Get Up.” She starred in the feature film Cold Harbour (2014) and led the musical Calling Me Home (2017) at Joburg Theatre.

In 2018, Zolani announced her solo project, launching it on August 15, 2019, with her autobiographical play The One Who Sings at Baxter Theatre, which earned widespread praise. Her solo single “Remember Who You Are” (2020), tied to the Give Her A Crown campaign against gender-based violence, marked her new chapter.

In 2020, she collaborated with Yo-Yo Ma and Madosini on “Amphibious Soul” for the United Nations, reflecting her ambassadorship for the Sea Change Project. Her tribute show to Ella Fitzgerald in 2004 and judging roles on The Sing-Off (2009), Idols (2010), and The Voice (2016) highlight her versatility.

Social Media

  • Instagram Handle: @zolanitheonewhosings
  • Facebook Handle: Zolani Mahola
  • Twitter Handle: @ZolaniMahola

Personal Life

Zolani Mahola, a passionate singer and songwriter, was raised in Port Elizabeth’s New Brighton township. She met her husband, Nicholas Klemp, during their university years at the University of Cape Town, where they were part of the same friend group. Zolani pursued Nicholas initially, describing it as love at first sight, though he took time to reciprocate.

They reconnected after a brief period apart and eloped on a farm when Zolani was eight months pregnant with their first child, Zazi, born around 2013.

Their second son, Eli, was born in February 2016. The couple, one of South Africa’s notable interracial celebrity pairs, resides in Cape Town, where Zolani balances family life with her career. She has spoken candidly about navigating fame’s impact on their relationship, learning to prioritize Nicholas during public interactions.

Her connection to nature, deepened through diving with Craig Foster in 2020, informs her music and advocacy, including her role as an ambassador for the Sea Change Project. Zolani remains committed to social change, addressing issues like gender-based violence through her art.

Filmography

  • Tsha Tsha (2003–2005, TV series) – Boniswa (lead role)
  • Zambezia (2012, animated film) – Zoë (voice)
  • Cold Harbour (2014, feature film) – Lead role
  • The Sing-Off (2009, TV show) – Judge
  • Idols (2010, TV show) – Guest Judge
  • The Voice (2016, TV show) – Guest Judge
  • Calling Me Home (2017, musical theatre) – Lead role

Discography

With Freshlyground:

  • Jika Jika (2003)
  • Nomvula (2004)
  • Ma’Cheri (2007)
  • Radio Africa (2010)
  • The Legend of William Tell (2013)
  • The Good Life (2018)
  • Notable singles: “Doo Be Doo,”“Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” (with Shakira), “I’d Like”

Solo:

  • “Remember Who You Are” (single, 2020)
  • The One Who Sings (soundtrack elements from her play, 2019, not formally released as an album)
  • “Amphibious Soul” (collaborative single with Yo-Yo Ma and Madosini, 2020)

Net Worth

Zolani Mahola, a versatile singer and songwriter, has an estimated net worth of $1 million to $5 million. Her wealth stems from her successful tenure with Freshlyground, including global tours, album sales, and royalties from hits like “Waka Waka.” Additional income comes from her solo music, theatre performances, acting roles, and speaking engagements.

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