If you are in Kigali, there is something you cannot afford to miss – Zahara’s concert. She will be playing at the Kigali Jazz Junction, a popular monthly concert that takes place on the last Friday of the month at the Kigali Serena Hotel.
Zahara, 30, who is in Rwanda for the very first time, already got fans excited weeks ago when the organizers first announced her performance, with tickets selling like hot cakes.
Shortly after landing in Kigali early Thursday morning, the award winning Zahara gave an exclusive to The New Times where she spoke about her up coming concert, her blossoming career and insights into he personal life.
Q. Who is Zahara?
Zahara is a village girl. A country girl from a small town called East London in South Africa, in the Eastern Cape. But I am originally from the village. Born Zahara Bulelwa Mkutukana, Bulelwa given by my mother and Mkutukana given by my father.
I started singing when I was 6, but apparently my mother says that I started when I was three. At six I was a member of the little Sunday School choir and when I was nine my pastor sat me down and told me that I must go and lead the senior choir.
When I was about 13 or 14 I moved to Johannesburg and that is how I was discovered as singer. Here I am now. I went professional in 2011.
Q. How does it feel being in Rwanda?
I am so excited to be here and actually step on this land. Let me tell you something and hope you won’t laugh at me: The only thing I knew about Rwanda was Hotel Rwanda the movie. To actually see people that overcame that (1994 Genocide against the Tutsi) and to be in this country—oh my goodness, it is so beautiful.
Q. You are in Kigali for the Jazz Junction. What came into your mind when you got the invitation?
When they gave me that opportunity, for me it is not even about the music, it is about coming here to see the history of Rwanda and strong people of this country.
Every time I post something on Instagram or Twitter, I get responses from people asking me when I am coming to Rwanda. I can’t wait for Friday night.
Q. What should your fans expect?
To hear my story. I am here with my live band. I am hoping that people will find their story in my story and find their voice in my voice. I am a story teller
Q. Who is your music idol?
At home we used to listen to what our parents liked back in time and that’s what part of me became. Singers like Rebecca Malope, Tracy Chapman, Cece Winans; I love the Hillsong because I have listened to them since I was young, Mama Miriam Makeba, Brenda Fassie and Vulindlela song.
Q. What is your strongest childhood memory?
It will be when I was so little. My father was a laborer and my mom a domestic worker so it was hard for us as kids because we were so many. You know how it is in the typical poor family where you sleep with no food and go to school with no shoes. I remember my first Christmas dress that my father bought for me. That is my favorite childhood memory, really.
Q. What would you say is the highlight of your music career so far?
Singing for Tata (Nelson) Mandela. When he called me to go to his house and sing for him I felt so blessed. Even at the People’s Choice Awards in the UK they want me to go deliver Tata’s speech he delivered when he got out of the prison and narrate his story.
Q. Any advice to aspiring musicians?
In whatever you want to embark on in life, you must find the necessary information to help you through. The Bible says, "Many are called few are chosen”.
So many of us are talented but few of us are gifted with the talent. You can never prepare a child who is gifted. Michael Jackson started when he was five. We learn as we go.
Like I say in one of my songs called Destiny, "God will never give you a burden so heavy for you to carry” That is what has kept me going even when I was singing in those corners of restaurants.
Q. Are you Christian?
Yes — a born again Christian and I still sing in churches. Even last month I was doing motivational speaking for women at a local church back home. I still go and preach.
Q. Are you married?
I am single (laughs!).