By far Zola is the biggest brand in South Africa today

Zola: Poet, actor and musician.this young man has emerged as the superstar of Kwaito and is a man blessed with many talents.

Zola grew up in Soweto, in the ghetto called Zola, hence the name. Though he is standing on the brink of greatness, he is no under no misconception of his past or future.

"Kwaito kids are made from hunger, abuse, no father, violence & guns. Now as adults we must change the game for the better. Now we must change everything we are made from. - Zola

Zola is forever conscious of societies growing needs, pains and tribulations, which is why he tackles issues such as prostitution, statutory rape and the need for fathers to step up to the plate and be real fathers in his new album Ibutho. But, Zola also doesnt forget that in all our sadness and pain we must yet again in true South African fashion rejoice and dance. Ibutho is a celebration of life. Ibutho, Zolas fourth offering was well received prior to the album hitting the shelves, Ibutho had 50 000 in pre-sale orders from retailers. It looks like 2005 is the year of Zola, with his Zola 7 clothing range also launching in November.

Not only did he play the notorious gangster, Papa Action in Yizo >>>Click here for more

Yizo2, he also enjoyed success with the hit song Ghetto Fabulous from the soundtrack. He released his first album Umdlwembe to massive critical acclaim.

Umdlwembe is a kwaito gem. It contains Hip-Hop, gospel and hints if traditional Zulu and Sotho Music.

The dynamic Ghetto Ruff producer, Kaybee did the production on the album. Kaybee is highly respected in the Kwaito circles as an innovative and progressive producer. His preference is to experiment with different rhythms and beats instead of sticking to the tried and tested kwaito formulas. Kaybee has worked with artists as diverse as Ishmael, Ghetto Luv, and Skeem to top pop band Boo.

Zola's debut is the most diverse, richly textured album of our times. The result is a production that booms out to the listner.

In one year Zola has managed to accomplish more than most artists accomplish in a lifetime. His debut album has sold over 180 000 copies, attaining triple platinum status in less than a year, and continues to sell to this day.

What distinguishes Zolas home grown sound from the tired chants of other Kwaito artists is its challenging lyrics. His lyrics reflect an intelligence and maturity not often found in Kwaito music. The themes on Umdlwembe range from ghetto life to a tribute to Zionism.>>>Click here for more

Zolas second album Khokhovuka which was released in October 2002 has reached over 100 000 copies sold to date and still climbing. Hit track Sana Lwam that featured Unathi, has seen Zola getting massive airplay and charting on every radio station in South Africa. He also shot a big budget music video that was shot in two different countries for another slamming track off the album entitled Feleba

Zola dropped his third album that is a bombshell of an album ingeniously titled Bhambatha.

Working on Bhambatha was a challenge for both Zola and Thaso (the producer). I had to treat this like it was my first time in the studio, almost like I was recording Umdlwembe, my first album, said Zola. This album was more involved for me, I found myself reflecting on real situations I was faced with daily

Greytown featuring Ihashi Elimhlope reflects the availability of guns in the black community. The big question is where do they come from? Dont Cry, featuring Thembisile (who met Zola after writing Zola 7, about her dream to become an Opera singer), the song talks of giving back hope to those whose situation looks bleak. X-Girlfriend, featuring Maduvha (pronounced Maduba) (actress and singer of Gazlam and Muvhango fame) is in the right place for those going through the pain of losing their loved ones. Moroba, featuring kwaito fabulous winner Bravo, shows off the music skill and versatility >>>Click here for more

possessed by Zola as he flips it and does a magical hip hop track.

Bhambatha reflects the mature side of Zola; the young kwaito boy has taken a back seat, for now. being a dad has made me appreciate and cherish life more, I have to think twice before I do something irresponsible, says Zola. After spending many months in the studio Bhambatha is one of the best produced albums 2004. Thus far Bhambatha has sold over 120 000 copies.

Zola never seems to amaze or disappoint his fans. Well known for his relevant lyrics, Zola starts off his album with a prayer on his next album called Ibutho, where he goes through love, heart breaks, kasi life and everyones daily life, but not forgetting Gospel, where he drives the beat with his strong lyrics. He worked with wonder boy Thaso on this album and by no surprise it has been received well.

Zola has really been busy this year, with his clothing label, disappearing from the shelves and that can only be a T-shirt with Zolas name, face or logo on it. The sky is the limit for good hearted people like you, shine on.

Zola 7
Zola 7, Zolas new TV show, which started in, May 2003 on SABC 1 at 20:30. This show airs immediately after Generations retaining the same number viewers as the most watched television show in South Africa. Zola 7 which now seeing Zola being called the Ghetto Dream Maker, where on his show his >>>click here for more

makes peoples dreams come through every week.

With the Demi God popularity of Zola 7, SABC has decided to move the show all over Africa. In the new year, Zola will see himself traveling to Botswana, Nigeria, Lesotho, Namibia just to name a few to make the dreams of Africa come true!

Movies

Drum
Zola acted along side with Taye Diggs in the 1960s movie Mr. Drum based on the writings and works of Drum magazine. This film has been showed at all Film festivals from Sethengi to the Canadian Film Festival. It is a movie that is sure to gain international acclaim. Zola stars in a movie directed by his namesake Zola.

Tsotsi
He stars as the gangster which has been a signature role for Zola. Tsotsi is one of the movies that is putting the South African makers on the world charts. We are looking for a Oscar nomination on this movie.