.jpg)
She adds: “It was a very hard time but at the same time I’m glad it happened because I wouldn’t be here today. When I go to South Africa now I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I belong here, this is my country.’ We’re doing well as a country, I mean we’re having challenges with our president and stuff but racism is everywhere.”
Nkhela is writing a book about this experience and some of that spills over into her upcoming album, with the latter focused more on her adulthood and other life encounters. As a way to expand her theater experience she is also participating in a play by Mbongeni Ngema, director of the South African musical, Sarafina. The drama is themed around the segregation periods in South Africa.
“I just hope it expands my knowledge as far as that’s concerned and hopefully I can just do my CD,” she says of the project with Ngema.
But the record, which is still in its mixing phase, is of a different tone from her debut, Vuma. It holds, she asserts, elements of World, Folk, Afro, R & B and Jazz music.
Her love for the Arts, undoubtedly, is far from superficial. As part of her efforts to promote the discipline, Nkhela has founded an organization in South Africa called Tiny Tears Foundation which is determined to raise funds to purchase musical instruments for students in public schools.
“I just know that for me today I play guitar and I play good at it, but imagine if I had that investment from grade one or even younger. My experience with The Lion King and doing music made me realize that ‘Oh my God, we can invest into the Arts more than we do.’”
With a successful debut and remarkable vocal performances in The Lion King, one is left in anticipation of Nkhela’s latest musical project – how good will it be? What sounds are to be expected?
The world awaits its arrival.
NATURAL HAIR AT THE WORK PLACE
Posted: July 12, 2010
CUT YOUR LOSSES
Posted: June 09, 2010
WHEN TO CALL IT QUITS
Posted: May 21, 2010
SHATTERING THE GLASS CEILING
Posted: Apr. 22, 2010
WISH THERE WERE MORE OF YOU?
Posted: Apr. 5, 2010
NAME ISSUES
Posted: Mar. 25, 2010