By XOLA, TELL US WHAT YOUR CHILDHOOD WAS LIKE AND WHAT VALUES SHAPED YOU INTO THE WOMAN YOU ARE TODAY.
I really had a good childhood. I was always the active child, well known in the community and church. I had a dance group and choir; I have always been creative. I was born and bred in Cape Town, from Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, and now settled in Delft.My mom, the pillar of our family,my mom was with my father and later separated. She then met my stepfather, who has become one of my best friend.I have siblings too. I was the child they would call to entertain the adults with my creative gifts.
YOUR VOICE HAS CAPTIVATED MANY. CAN YOU SHARE THE MOMENT YOU REALIZED MUSIC WAS YOUR CALLING?
I knew I could sing when I was younger, not as a calling yet. I would be asked to sing in primary school, and I would also be borrowed by other schools to represent them and lend their uniform. I remember in church I would sing in the congregation, and once in the bathroom, where the older youth heard me sing, and some wanted me to sing in their group, yet the others said I was young. The turning point happened when a political party came, and I was called out by the pastor to minister.People were moved to tears and gave offerings as a gesture of appreciation.That moment affirmed my gift and made me realize that God had placed something within me that could bring healing and hope to others.
YOU FIRST STEPPED INTO THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT THROUGH IDOLS SOUTH AFRICA. HOW DID THAT MOMENT SHAPE YOUR TRANSITION FROM A LOCAL CHURCH SINGER TO AN ARTIST RECOGNIZED ACROSS THE COUNTRY?
I had served in church all my life, so making the decision to audition was going against church protocol ,it was not easy to make.There were a lot of internal questions, and I remember that back when I was in high school,I sang with a jazz group, performed opera, and was invited to sing at weddings, although those opportunities were not always encouraged within my church environment. Now I knew making this grand decision would be the peak of scrutiny. I told my mom about my desire to enter the competition, and she had my back.
My mom grew up in a strict family where her dad would not allow her aspirations to pursue music on global stages, and I believe she knew the restraint would sabotage my gifts, so she gave me her yes. My friends were incredibly supportive; they cheered me on and were there with me as I went on to audition in 2018.My goal was to make it to the Top 16, but that was not the case for me the first time around. However, I remained determined. In 2019, I returned to pursue that goal once again. This time, I went alone. There was no one standing in the queues with me for support it was all on me. Although I knew my family and friends were supportive, there was still disappointment and a sense of heartbreak because I had not made it the first time. That experience only fueled my determination to try again and prove to myself that I was capable.
MANY PEOPLE SAW YOUR BREAKTHROUGH ON IDOLS SOUTH AFRICA, BUT NOT EVERYONE WITNESSED THE JOURNEY THAT FOLLOWED. HOW DID YOU NAVIGATE THE TRANSITION FROM REALITY SHOW CONTESTANT TO A RESPECTED GOSPEL ARTIST? WHAT DID IT TEACH YOU ABOUT PERSEVERANCE AND GOD’S TIMING?
After Idols, a wave of sadness and depression came. I had come to the reality that I was no longer living under a routine; the busyness of the show was gone, and I had to come back home to the reality of what was needed. I went through a wilderness season for two years; everything went silent, and in that season, I had to make a living. Being diverse in the my gifts God has instilled in me, I launched a makeup business, which helped me keep afloat.I am deeply grateful to Vuyokazi Ndamase, who helped me sharpen my skills and mentored me during that season.I would help with her clients, and through that, people who remembered me from my Idols days would book me for events and weddings.
WHEN DJ ZINHLE APPROACHED YOU TO COLLABORATE AS A VOCALIST ON HER SONG, HOW DID THAT OPPORTUNITY IMPACT YOU? LOOKING BACK, DID IT FIT WITH WHAT YOU HAD ALWAYS ENVISIONED FOR YOUR LIFE AND MUSICAL JOURNEY?
In that season, I obliged to the request; then it seemed like the right thing to do, and I believe it was also a training ground. The song went viral; I didn’t expect that, and we got requests to start performing in various establishments that were not of the church. This encounter made me meet people who had gone astray from the presence of God, and my being there served as a reminder for them to return to God. As this went on, I collided with a conviction that made me realize that I had to move; I had served my time. One thing God has always been audible in my life, and I had to listen to His instruction and follow the His direction.
YOU LATER TRAINED UNDER LUSANDA BEJA, WHO PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN NURTURING YOUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH WHILE DEVELOPING YOU AS A BACKING VOCALIST. WHAT LESSONS DID YOU TAKE FROM THAT EXPERIENCE, AND HOW DOES IT INFLUENCE YOUR LIFE AND MUSIC TODAY?
I remember hearing about the auditions; even though I knew Him, I followed protocol and honored the application process.It was a tremendous honor to be trained by him.Not only for music, but I also developed deep spiritual roots. Many times, we think we have a relationship with God, yet we just know of Him.This journey challenged me to deepen my relationship with God.I tremendously enjoyed my season with Him; this developed humility and character and also made me stern in righteous principles.
IN 2025, YOU RECORDED LIVE WITH SPIRIT OF PRAISE AND SHARED THE STAGE WITH BENJAMIN DUBE AND OMEGA KHUNOU. TELL US ABOUT WHAT THAT MOMENT FELT LIKE… BEFORE THE APPLAUSE.
I was in awe of the goodness of God. He truly qualifies the call.Doors I never knocked on opened before me, and God positioned my name in rooms I never imagined entering.There were so many artists with recorded music who could have been chosen, yet I was appointed for that time. The experience was moving; I found myself in an environment I never thought they would know about me.As someone from Cape Town, standing on that stage in Pretoria felt surreal.
YOUR PERFORMANCES OFTEN EXUDE CONFIDENCE AND PASSION. WHAT INNER STRENGTH DO YOU DRAW UPON DURING THOSE MOMENTS?
It’s interesting that you ask that. I recently had a conversation with a friend about how seriously I take every opportunity to minister.I honor each and every engagement. I pray and fast because I realise the people who I will be ministering to have a heavy load they carry, and they will be drawing from what God has placed within me and that’s why it is important that I am spiritually fed, so I worship to usher in God’s remedy to those indeed of His healing. It’s all about Him. I can’t afford to take it lightly, whatever the occasion is, it goes back to what I learned whilst I was with Lusanda Beja. Being grounded spiritually is so important.
COLLABORATIONS CAN BE TRANSFORMATIVE. CAN YOU SHARE A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH OTHER ARTISTS OR PRODUCERS?
Two of my most memorable collaborations were connected to the Winans family and Spirit of Praise.I was amazed to see her audience attempting to sing vernacular songs and embracing the music so warmly.,before I had a moment to sing with her brother. I was invited to a church to minister, and the producer was in the audience, and I got to sing with Bebe Winans.
The other was Spirit of praise, ever so thankful for being part of this moment indeed it was a Divine appointment,the journey and process has been ultimately worth it because I have gained so much wisdom and discernment. I have experience to share with the upcoming generation.
YOUR JOURNEY IS A TESTAMENT TO RESILIENCE. HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED DURING CHALLENGING TIMES WHEN NO ONE SEES?
My faith is rooted in what I have experienced throughout the years. I have seen God pull me through out of the craziest challenges, and I can firmly say without God I am nothing. He has been faithful even when I couldn’t see the way forward. Every season of my life is a testimony of grace and perseverance.
HOW DID THE IDEA FOR THE XOLA TOTO OUTREACH BEGIN, AND WHAT WAS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND IT?
I grew up in very challenging circumstances. I know poverty firsthand, and that moved me as I grew to give back to the less fortunate. I was the kid who was given stuff. There was a point when we were in my mom’s shack, and it caught fire because I had played with a candle, and she had left with the key. The whole community was there to try to rescue my brother and me;The situation appeared hopeless, and many feared the worst, yet by God’s grace we came out unharmed.
The community knows me for speaking to the young children. I am called to bring rebuke and counsel,and to walk alongside those who feel forgotten or overlooked. I would give the wigs I’d get from collaborations and also dresses for matric dances, and I would use my expertise in makeup to do their faces on their big day. So it’s something I know firsthand, and giving back is me saying thank you to God.
LOOKING AHEAD,WHAT ASPIRATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUR MUSIC AND MINISTRY?
My desire is for people to see God through my life. I want to be a vessel that reflects His love wherever I go to support the vulnerable through my foundation.I pray that my ministry may enable me to travel abroad to minister to diverse countries and cultures, sharing a message of hope as I use my gift to heal the brokenhearted and bring them closer to God’s presence.My prayer is that every opportunity He gives will bring glory to His name.
WHAT DOES BEING YOUNG AND SPIRITUALLY INSPIRED MEAN TO YOU?
Being Young and Spiritually Inspired means approaching my spiritual life with curiosity, openness, and a sense of exploration. It involves maintaining a childlike wonder and eagerness to learn about my faith in Christ ,to always seek God’s will above my own desires,and to be able to navigate life without feeling i have everything figured out. Essentially, being spiritually young is about keeping your spirit vibrant, curious, and eager to evolve throughout your life.
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