The Queen of Auditoriums TSHEDI MHOLO South African-born Afro-pop singer An Artist, Entertainer & Philanthropist

Ambassador for UnicefSA SmileFoundationSA “Lead to Read Campaign”

Email: [email protected] Telephone: (+27) 82 494 8422 TSHEDI MHOLO PROFILE

Matshediso Florence Mholo (born Septem- enthusiasm, and unwavering energy are ber 27, 1976) well known as “Tshedi”’ is a attributes that constantly help her to carve South African-born Afro-pop singer, a new paths, mother and a woman who wears so many follow them and make a success of it. hats and is so many things to so many p eople. Though she burst onto the scene with Her rapidly increasing number of fans is her former group Malaika as lead singer, testimony to Tshedi’s she has been able to sustain her relevance personality. She attracts people with her and credibility in the music industry beyond aura and makes them fall in love with her the group’s successes and glories. She has gift, passion, charisma and determination. been able to carve an identity for herself She remains a very modest girl-next-door and emerged as a star in her own right. despite her fame and colourful career.

Tshedi is a true survivor who projects It is the combination of humility and a bright confidence, strength, and genuine talent, spark about her that draws people to her. making her a true package deal. She has As a result, she is regularly gracing red earned the reputation of a woman who can carpets and stages at high-profile make a difference wherever it is required, events and TV shows, where she and to those whose lives she touches. is regularly invited.

Tshedi has come a long way as a wom- an to finally find her niche, her centre, her strength. Her wisdom, background, Background

Tshedi was born in Boikhutso, a town- From an early age growing up, Tshedi ship in Lichtenburg, North West Province, showed a keen interest in music. She was . She cherishes the memories the go-to performer and entertainer at all connected with her hometown and does the local weddings and parties as a young a lot of work to represent it. Regardless of child. After matric she enrolled at the Inu- where she is based, she never forgets her versity of the North West, where she be- birthplace and regularly mentions it in came a member of the student choir. Later, interviews. She believes that apart from she worked as a music and drama teacher the fact that her mother gave birth to her, at the popular and prestigious Mmabana the place she was born and grew up in Cultural Centre in Mmabatho, Mafikeng, has played a role in the person that she North West. While teaching, Tshedi met is today. She owes her being to the dusty Bongani Nchang and Jabulani Ndaba in streets of Boikhutso, just as Nelson Mande- 2003, who were to become her bandmates, la owed his life to the hills of Qunu, his birth and during that year the trio started climb- place in the Eastern Cape. She believes a ing the ladder of success as South Africa’s person’s birth place has a profound effect most popular singing trio Malaika. on them, hence in black culture a child’s umbilical cord is often buried in the family yard as soon as it falls off. This has a pro- found role in the person’s life, and Tshedi is no exception. Music Career The newly formed group Malaika released popularity grew and remained at the top of the first album of the same name in 2003 and various music charts and received many won the hearts of millions of fans all over the prestigious awards. In addition, Malaika also globe. It was Malaika that performed at the Fi- shared the stage with world-renowned musi- fa-organised event in Sandton, Johannesburg, cians such as the American R&B singer Joe in support of the country hosting the World Thomas, , US R&B Cup 2010 in Africa, sending this message to queen Mya and US legendary crooners The the world, and the group stole the hearts of Manhattans, to name a few. many all over the world as a result. The group is also known for their signature In 2004, Malaika was invited at the World G8 live performances, which received rave re- Summit, held in South Africa, and more invita- views about their electrifying stage acts and tions followed after that, growing the group’s an ability to get the venue in a sweat wherev- popularity. er they performed. Other noted performanc- es were at the inauguration of former South The group’s next album, Vuthelani (2005), African President Thabo Mbeki, the birthday was yet another success and brought numer- celebrations of ’s former President ous awards such as the Award for Best Olusegun Obasanjo, South Africa’s 10th Southern Year Democracy anniversary events, a great Africa Group of the same year at the presti- number of awards ceremonies for teachers, gious annual Kora Awards. athletes, corporate events/launches and other accolades, serve as a perfect example for the As new albums were released, the group’s group’s popularity. The group Malaika has taken part in many sions, she released her album, Victory, charitable activities, and group members with Sony Music Africa also participated in the world 46664, a (album is available on ITunes). Victory campaign aimed at bringing awareness of differs from everything Tshedi has been the dreaded HIV/AIDS. The project was doing before. named after the late former SA President and global icon Nelson Mandela’s prison The listener will indulge in a rich variety number that was his ID while he was in- of sounds reflecting a unique diversity of carcerated for 27 years on Robben Island, Africa while distinguishing this particular imprisoned for his fight against apartheid. music from her previous works. Tshe- The 46664 project was supported by glob- di controlled all stages of recording and al icons and corporate giants, such as talk made improvements in all aspects of the show queen Oprah Winfrey and US actor album. She roped in well-known music Will Smith and boxing legend Muhammad professionals in her work, which was a Ali, who all graced its events. true labour of love and commitment to her passion. These included Sipho Sithole, Guffy Pilani, Robbie Malinga, the Duo- Tshedi’s professional activities continued The Fareinheitz (), Mojalefa The- to grow beyond her work with Malaika. be, Thaso, and Dj Choice …..to name She successfully branched out on her a few. Currently, four of the tracks from own and continues to evolve as an artist the album are used on rotation in all the and philanthropist. In October 2013 after chicken outlet Nando’s restaurants in years in and out of her own studio ses- Great Britain. Actress and Artist

A person of many talents, Tshedi is opportunity to act on Muvhango and passionate about art and craft. She Ga Re Dumele (both South Afri- adores painting and decorates her ca’s favourite TV shows) aired on house with some of her own works. SABC 2, starring as Tshedi, in 2014. She also has a love affair with stun- During the same year, she became ning cars. In fact, her choice of cars the choirmaster for Limpopo Prov- reflects her taste and personality in ince for the Clash of The Choirs everything that she acquires. season 2, a choral music talent show that aired live on TV from April She also loves sitcoms, and had the 2014. Social Activist One of the most remarkable things about her is Tshe- eryone’s attention in the country. That period was di’s social activism. She is one of the most recognis- marked by the xenophobic events that shocked the able singers amongst others, for her activism in social whole world. Tshedi was part of the delegation of upliftment projects and programmes, in Gauteng and leaders who actively fought against the inhumane other provinces. violence and helped mothers and children who were victims of the xenophobic violence. The funeral of a In 2003, after her father’s death due to cancer, she local young boy, Mpho Phoga, who was a victim of became one of those who initiated an open discussion the violence, was one of the lowest points of the tragic in order to enhance the population’s knowledge about violence meted out on foreign nationals. the disease. In 2006, Tshedi was instrumental in get- ting Malaika to participate in a show that was primarily During the same year, Tshedi was one of the guests aimed at the HIV/AIDS awareness drive as part of a on the Jozi FM programme aimed at helping a young broader drive that was being held all over the country. rape victim. A special visit to Makgofe Secondary School in Makgofe Village, Limpopo also illustrates In 2008, the singer was among the individuals in- Mholo’s concerns about people, especially young volved in the public discussions aimed at shedding kids. The aim of this event was to support the Kids light on the Guide Dogs, which are dogs that are bred Changing the World Campaign and the Sports for and trained to take care of the blind. Development programme. Tshedi worked voluntarily with the United Nations International Children’s Emer- Tshedi also addresses women and children’s issues gency Fund (UNICEF). She is well-known for her with the use of her social network platforms. In this close and long-term alliance with UNICEF, as a ce- respect, 2008 was one of her busiest years. In May lebrity advocate of the organisation and a motivational of the same year xenophobia was the focus of ev- speaker of note. Interesting Facts l Tshedi Mholo owns Leopard driving. She has visited a great Queen Network (PTY) Ltd compa- number of countries (USA, Cana- ny (LQN), which has been running da, Swaziland, Malaysia, Zambia, for six (6) years. The company is Democratic Republic of Congo, Le- responsible for administrating and sotho, , , Mozam- managing Tshedi’s business inter- bique, Tanzania, the UK … etc). ests, especially on the musicals, l The singer played for the ladies publishing, brand management and Celebrity Kaizer Chiefs soccer oversees all legal and contractual team as a defender. duties pertaining to all her work. l Tshedi also ventured into the trans- portation business and had her l Known as the Queen of Auditori- own metered taxis around Johan- ums, Tshedi’s company (LQN) has nesburg, South Africa. launched her on different platforms for three (3) consecutive years. l In 2015, Tshedi celebrated 20 years in the music industry. l Tshedi loves travelling and fast Awards 2004 New Roles: ● Best Afro Pop Album, Metro FM ● Best Group, Metro FM April 2017 – Ambassador for the SmileFounda- ● Best Album, Metro FM tionSA – to create awareness for children born ● Best New Comer Group, Kora Award with Cleft Lip Palette on behalf of the Smile- FoundationSA. 2005 ● Best Afro Pop Group, Channel O Music Video Tshedi is the newly appointed National Ambas- Awards sador for “Lead to Read Campaign”, which is ● Best Southern Africa Group, Kora Award led by the minister of the Department of Basic ● Best Selling Album, South African Music Education Angie Motshekga. Awards She is also a member of the School Governing 2006 Body 2017 for Roodepoort High School ● Best Afro Pop, South African Music Awards

2008 ● Best Afro Pop, South African Music Awards

Key Roles:

2006 – 2017: Ambassador for UnicefSA for the past 10 years RECENT EVENTS l January, 2015 – Solo Act UK Tour l February, 2015 – Mzansi Magic Soul Session l February, 2015 – BMW Plant Rosslyn Plant 9 Tour l February, 2015 – State of the Province Address Dinner l February, 2015 – Aranda Textiles and Blankets SA Tour l March, 2015 – Gauteng Economic Development Engagements with Entertainment Industry l July, 2015 – Afrima Awards l August, 2015 – Fashion Meets Gospel 4 l August,2015 – Bongi Ngema-Zuma Foundation for Diabetics l September, 2015 – UNICEF Youth Media Conference “End Violence Against Children” (Cape Town) l November, 2015 – Radical Transformation Business Women Support High Tea l December, 2015 - Session Musicians and Backing Vocalists Awards organized by Yvonne ChakaChaka l January – April 2016 (Studio sessions and performances) l April, 2015 – Music Tutorial Programmes in Schools l May, 2016 – UNICEF Johannesburg Offices Inauguration l May, 2016 - SAMRO Round Table Discussion for 90% local and 10% international music to be aired on the national radios l May, 2016 – UNICEF GEM/BEM Conference (Durban) l June 2016 – Pilanesberg National Park Tourism video shoot (North West) l July, 2016 - Celebrate The Bright Future of South Africa’s Children hosted by Unilever l July, 2016 – Play Conference hosted by UNICEF l July, 2016 - South African Social Security Agency 10th Anniversary held in Mahikeng, North West Province l August, 2016 – Vavasati (Women) Launch l August, 2016 – Fashion Meets Gospel 5 l August, 2016 - Summer Launch Designer Jewellery l August, 2016 - South African Social Security Agency 10th Anniversary held in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province l August, 2016 – Gauteng Legislature l September 2016 – Leopard Queen Network hosted Tshedi Mholo’s 40 Songs In Rendition as she celebrated her 40th birthday l October 2016 - Global Hand washing Day (Bright Future and Lifebuoy) l October 2016 - 1st Annual Dreamers Spring Festival (Every Girl Has A Dream) l October 2016 – Transnet Gala Dinner held in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province l November 2016 – Round Table Music Pioneer (Mzansi Magic) l November 2016 – The Diva Network Military Swag Picnic and Market, Lesotho l March 2017 – Judging Panelist for Fashion Meets Gospel Overall, one can only say the world is truly an oyster for Tshedi; with endless possibilities and potential for this embodiment of the New South African Woman!

Contact details:

Email: [email protected] Telephone: (+27) 82 494 8422