Nonhlanhla: My Strictly Come Dancing Star!

Written by Brown Shuga from the blog SHUGAS BLOGIWOOD on 19 Mar 2008
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I don't like dance much but each week I am glued to Strictly Come Dancing and it has everything to do with the music...okay, maybe not exactly everything, but it has a lot to do with the music.
For the past seven weeks I've watched the show religiously and have been very amazed at just how exquisitely Nonhlanhla Mdluli & Brandon October (the singers) do their job.

Having spent most of my teens in church & "singing" (believe it or not! lol) in a choir, I know Nonhlanhla & Margaret Motsage (Vicky Vilakazi too at one point) as one of the best female vocalists in the country & have always wondered why they weren't as celebrated. When I saw/heard Nonhlanhla on SCD, I was like "Oh, there she is! She's still sounding good, but why isn't she releasing a solo album?" That was one question I put down on my "to do" list.

As luck might have it, a few weeks ago, I spotted Nonhlanhla at the gym and I was like "Yho, she must just forgive me but I HAVE to meet her."
So I went over to her & introduced myself. (Professional groupie in action heheheh)
I don't know if my sweat stinks but I gave her a big hug too so sorry if bendinuka mtanasekhaya, excitement does get the better of me at times :-)

So, if you've heard her so-so amazing voice on SCD and wondered who she is, you're in luck coz the beautiful songstress (always wanted to use this word) agreed to share her answers with y'all and here's what she had to say:

Brown Shuga: Nonhlanhla Mdluli, Wow! I am such a fan. For those who aren't fortunate enough to know you, who is Nonhlanhla?

Nonhlanhla: Wow, thank you so much girl, I’m really humbled and honored. Nonhlanhla was born and raised in Katlehong. So I’m an East Rand girl the last born of five siblings. To give a summary I can say I’m God’s creation, a daughter, a sister, wife, mother, singer and businesswoman.

BS: Even though little is known about you, you've been in the music industry for ages. Where & when did you start singing?

Nonhlanhla: It started very early for me I must say, as soon as my mom realized my potential to belt a tune, she literally threw me on stage at every chance she got. So I started by singing old time spiritual and hymns at church from age six. Naturally then even my introduction into the professional circles came about through my relationship with gospel music.
My biggest break came when I successfully auditioned to be one of the backing singers for South Africa’s gospel maestro Pastor Benjamin Dube, That’s the platform that established Nonhlanhla as one of the most sought after session singers. God’s ordained order just took over from there and I got to work with the biggest names in the local industry and I also got to record with South Africa’s biggest gospel ensembles , Family Factory and Joyous Celebration.

(These were for me (BS), the 5 best Joyous Celebrations CD's. Joyous 4 being my favourite!)

BS: Okay, I know you from back in those day when you were still Nonhlanhla Radebe, in Family Factory & later Joyous Celebrations. You guys really held it down man, what do you think of the current state of our gospel industry?

Nonhlanhla: Yeah! man you know even though at that time every one felt including myself, that it was the peak of my career, no one was to prepare me for what was to come. Today when I look back at the amount of work I’ve done, I know that was just a tip of the iceberg. Having said that, the biggest challenge in our industry today though is lack of boldness, artists are afraid to come out and be who they are, we’re all going with what works.
This is why I have great respect for artists who are clear in terms of what they want to sing, how they want to sing it, and are sticking to their guns.

BS: That is so true! I think there is a gap in the gospel scene for a group like Family Factory, would you agree with that thought? I mean, there are only so many Rebecca clones we can take.

Nonhlanhla: Yes I do. Don’t get me wrong I respect the role that artists like Rebecca are playing in the industry, you know, but it’s sad to see people are being led to believe what Rebecca is doing is the only thing that works and sells records, and our record companies are at the fore front of this misleading notion.
Music is an expression of one’s journey and experiences therefore artists should be given room to be original in their expression instead of encouraging them to be clones. Yes one still needs to sing music that speaks to the market but if we continue copying one another we’re only limiting ourselves and thereby limiting the growth of our industry. Our audience needs to be fed a variety of creative expressions.

BS: I agree with you completely. Also as a non-musician, I feel that Joyous Celebration is becoming monotonous. What is your view?

Nonhlanhla: I don’t hold a particular view, but what I hear from the administrators of Joyous Celebration is that it’s a case of if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. They feel there are people out there who still appreciate what they do, and are buying the tickets to prove it. So at the end of the day it’s the audience through their buying power that decides when it’s time for a change.

BS: Makes some sense now back to you, you've worked with lots and lots of musicians in the country, what has been the highlight of your career so far?

Nonhlanhla: I’m really favoured I think, cause every moment so far has been a highlight. How many artists out there today can say they’ve literally shared the stage and worked closely with almost every big name in the industry, from Jazz legends, to Kwaito Kings and pop idols? With my voice I’ve contributed to their success.

Working with international stars like Quincy Jones, one of the biggest producers of our time, Puff Johnson, Josh Groban, Alicia Keys, Take 6, Usher and opening up for Erykah Badu is only but a cherry on top.
Speaking of Quincy Jones, I must say that was a dream come true, I’ve dreamt of working with him ever since I was a little girl so when I got to sing the lead in a song that he wrote, I was blown away.

BS: Wow, I didn't even know about those perfomances. You've also done backing vocals for Freshly Ground's Nomvula, what other albums have you worked on?

Nonhlanhla: I’ve had the honour of performing on both Nomvula and Macheri. This came about through a long standing working relationship I have with the producers of Freshly Ground, Victor Masondo and Joe Arthur .I’ve also had the privilege to lend my talent to the great works of artists like Mirriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela,Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbulu, Sibongile Khumalo, Lebo Mathosa, Judith Sephuma , Ringo Madlingozi, Kabelo the late TK, Dollar Brand and many more.

BS: Amazing! I need to ask you though, owning such a voice, how do you feel when someone with a voice like Unathi's for example, (no offence Una, just an example) gets nominated for a Best Rn'B SAMA?

Nonhlanhla: Again it’s up to the audience, if people are voting for and buying Unathi’s music, who is my sister and I’m very fond of her, then that means she has a market that she’s speaking to. It might not be what I want to do, but it’s what the SAMA board of judges deem to be good enough to be recognized. So kudus to her.

BS: Well said, so why have you still not released a SOLO album? Anything but gospel though!!

Nonhlanhla: I’ve recorded a number of songs which have been ready for release for a while now, but what people don’t realize is that anyone can record and album today. But to get a company or a team of people that are willing to move mountains to sell your material is a rare find.
So far no one has showed that kind of faith in my product.

BS: That is so sad!!! (TS Records where you at?? hehehehe)
Nonhlanhla: But that is not stopping me! I’m putting together new fantastic material which hopefully will get the support it deserves. And don’t be afraid of gospel gal, gospel is not a genre but content. It’s singing about the good tidings, and positive messages that are a substance of my faith. So gospel can be packaged in many different forms but the message will remain the same, but yes it’s not going to be a gospel album.

BS: Glad it ain't. It's great to praise the Lord & all but I just think your voice would be lost in that genre. Only Christians listens to Gospel but everyone (Christian and not) listen to Rn'B/Afro Pop etc.

BS: How did you get involved with SCD?

Nonhlanhla: One of the producers of freshly ground JB Arthur who is a close family friend, also happens to be musical director of the show, So when word got out that they were looking for a female singer he suggested me and that’s how I landed the gig.

BS: Cool, now how in heaven's name do you practice all those songs and sing them perfectly in just a week?

Nonhlanhla: What’s funny is all rehearsals take place on the day of the show but its cool though coz we get CD’s everyweek to listen to beforehand. It's fun though having to learn all those songs in such a short space of time.

BS: Isn't it a challenge though to perfect all those different genres? I don't think people are actually aware that the music is "performed live"!!

Nonhlanhla: It’s a serious challenge especially because we have to stick as close as possible to the original. From a tiny inflection to the most complicated phrasing, you have to be on point every step of the way. But I thrive on the challenge it makes my job enjoyable.
Look, the show is about the celebrities and the dancing, so very little attention comes to us but still if we mess the entire production goes down. So though our role is more background it is very significant

BS: So how does it work, do you get a list of songs & CD's that you listen to or do you meet with the couples to discuss their song choices?

Nonhlanhla: It’s the couples who select the songs which are the given to JB, who prepares the backing tracks and writes the scores for the band. We then go into the studio to do pre production and when we leave we’ve got CD's to rehearse with. From there it’s up to me to make time to listen and go through the song cause the next time we meet is on stage with the band, couples and TV crew and no time for rehearsal. Every one has to be good and raring to go.

BS: Sounds really hectic. And the most difficult song you've had to sing so far this season? Nkalakatha maybe? Hahaha I laughed at that!!
Nonhlanhla: Hhe! Hayi! wena, njani man! It's funny coz I had to sing that with my husband (Thabo Mdluli) and I was laughing at myself too! So far all the songs are fairly easy, now and again you come across a classic jazz standard sung by greats like Nina Simonne, then you know you’re in for a hard time.

Some gals are lucky, beautiful voice, beautiful hubby *sigh*

BS: Speaking of your husband, he released a Solo CD last year (don't know why you guys didn't pull a Chante Moore/Kenny Lattimore), presented a couple of TV Shows & I saw him on One Gospel recently. Stephen Molakeng, who was with you guys in Family Factory & Joyous is also on TV presenting Gospel Gold, would you consider doing television?

Nonhlanhla: Oh yeah, if an opportunity like that came, I definitely would.

BS: Heheheh maybe you must take over "Gospel Time" on SABC 2!!
And speaking of SABC 2, who do you think is gonna win this season of Strictly Come Dancing?
Nonhlanhla: My favourite has to be Emanuel I think he is definitely gonna take it this season.

Emmanuel Castis on Strictly Come Dancing

BS: Yeah man, my Captain Jack Sparrow's done well!
If you could choose anyone in this world to collaborate with, who would it be?

Nonhlanhla: Mariah Carey definitely! We almost have a similar timbre, plus when I entered the “Shell Road to Fame” a talent competition, I sang one of her songs “Hero” and that’s how I captured the attention of the judges. So I‘ve been in love with her sound ever since.

Brown Shuga: Wow, Nonhlanhla thank you so much for your time gal, you rock and I really hope that you will get to release that solo album in the near future. See you at Carlton Centre on Thursday?

Nonhlanhla: See you there and thank you for inviting me into your space.

That, ladies and gentlemen was Nonhlanhla Mdluli. Check her out for the last time on Thursday, 20 March 2008 at 19:30 on Strictly Come Dancing and please, do come back here & let me know what you think of her talent!
You know how I feel. Big Up to Mzansi Talent.

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(Nonhlanhla mentioned Shell Road To Fame & I googled it only to be met by a funny article written in September 1997. Gossip has been alive on the web for ages! Check it out HERE

10 Comments

belz
18 Mar 2008 23:33

Amazing! I need to ask you though, owning such a voice, how do you feel when someone with a voice like Unathi's for example, (no offence Una, just an example) gets nominated for a Best Rn'B SAMA? > LMAO, Shem maan Una, hihihi, usile Shuga. Ok, so this is Thabo's wife, i love his voice damn, i always wondered uba ngubani ocula kwiSCD, this gal is talented, singing all those songs in one go, Big Up to her, its a pity no one wants to help her produce an album, but maybe its better this way, i dont know how i mean this, but she's probably ok where she is.

don't know if my sweat stinks but I gave her a big hug too so sorry if bendinuka mtanasekhaya, excitement does get the better of me at times > ngiyakwazi phela wena ngokuphapha, lol!!

sponono
19 Mar 2008 01:18

hi hi hi ROTFLMAO.....at the Unathi question....hi hi
(aye aye ndifunu'kgoduka
aye aye ndifunu'kgoduka)...yoh....talk about a question WORTH asking.....

thanks Mis Brown...I've always wondered about these "session" singers and how they practice and all...trust YOU to come up with such an interview...I mean who else would have thought of interviewing a "background" singer.....girl you are creative... (next one you shuould do is interview one of rebecca's back-up singers...or   Aurthur's dancers  or ama-regular extra's akwagenerations ..LOL

serioulsy i love this girl girl and her voice ...I'll buy her CD

<<It's great to praise the Lord & all >> hi hi   ungu-mhedeni Brown suga..LOL..but tru i hope its not gospel...yeerrr

this girl looks a bit like Penny Libnyane.......and whats with Thabo Mdluli hands on my head pose...dang!!!   but i'd love to listen to that cd...(hopefully its not like those Vuyo Mkokoena/Jabu Hlongwane type of music...eeew)

Fluffy Head
19 Mar 2008 01:33

Hey Shuga...thank you sooo much, I've been wondering for a long time what happened to her and her gang. She is definately a very talented musician, hayi man her and hubby must move to the states, even when I was young listening to Family factory - I was like this lady needs to go to Atlanta - she'll make it big there and the industry will be able to contain her talent.

Shoo Joyous celebration iyadika nayo maaan, sho mna I only have the 1st 2 albums and number 5, after that - "same difference" nothing new.

BS, LMAO at Unathi - well the viewers vote for her. I still ask myself, when did she become an R&B 'singer'....ucula ini bathong?

Shirmell
19 Mar 2008 02:47

Thanks for the interview BS, nice to see who this woman is singing with Brandon. we all know Brandon through Idols 1 but I had no clue who the woman was and to think she's been around for so long......

She seems very humble and down to earth, hope she will take her music to the next level, all the best Nonhlanhla.

Ngqesta
19 Mar 2008 03:15

Eish madoda.........I just get the sense that uNonhlahla lo is one of those talents who are just fine as a backing vocalist........am not sure if I'd buy her CD if she were to release one, I remember one of the songs she did a solo on when she was still with JC, she was wearing this long black (leather - I think) jacket, I was not crazy about it...it was just so Americanized......maybe she should be promoted to Senior backing vocalist by all these clients she 'landed her talent' to. She is good yena yes.........but Solo artist.....I just ain't sure. The sista looks good though

sponono
19 Mar 2008 03:25

Senior backing vocalist....hi hi hi LOL.....

Nah Nah
19 Mar 2008 06:37

Wow i loved Nonhlanhla as well, her voice is very angelic...there was a show she was doing backings in, with uTat'u Hugh Masekela & she got to lead one these African standards like Oontyilo-ntyilo typa thing & i was amazed by how she did it cos i only saw her as a gospel singer.....But yeah usisi uyacula sheym....

Its quite sad what is happenning to our music industry, there loads of talents out there but you can get in if the ppl up there dont know who you are associated with, & if you dont want to open up ur legs as wide as you can, especial if ur a female singer.
You have to behave like you are sellin your body in order for the record companies to snatch you cos they know they will make money ngawe, so decent ppl like abo Nonhlanhla wont even be looked at although they have beautiful voices....mna Nonhlanhla i would advise you dear to do it your way (just like Whitney), release your album, market it & go independent, it wont be easy but you can do it.....Record companies can go to hell... God will surely not forsake you..

sdu
24 Mar 2008 02:51

I was so happy for Emmanuel & Lesley, well done! You deserve the win

Cande
24 Mar 2008 03:08

Big up to Mzantsi talent

cndo
12 Aug 2008 04:09

wow wat a talented young lady

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