Khole is a talented singer and composer. Her love for music and talent showed at an early age, singing for her family, at birthdays and Christmas celebrations. She describes her music as modern expression of a Swazi woman with jazz influence, afro soul and pop. Her music speaks to social issues; her lyrics are motivational, thought provoking, and her melodies memorable. Khole sings in Siswati and English. She looks up to acclaimed artists, the likes of local afro jazz artist Itallo, Simphiwe Dana, Miriam Makeba,Zama Jobe, Jill scot, Randy Crawford, Anita Baker, Chaka Khan and others.
Khole has deep respect for the art of Poetry. Rooted Souls poetry platform played a role in her grooming, writing and performance skills. She is passionate about development of arts in the country, which has seen her playing an active role and contributing towards formation of Arts Awake, a movement started by young Swazis for promotion of arts in Swaziland. She also has a working relationship with Platinum Sound, a company run by Khulekane Mamba, aka DJ Karly B. Khole has worked and shared stage with respected local musicians – Itallo, John Philip, MlulekiDlamini and Floewe, among others. Her music is gaining popularity locally, with two of her songs, Sikhatsi sami, and Ngijika emnyango, respectively, making it to number one positions on MTN SBIS 2 music chart show. Khole’s first music band was Mibala which she formed at UKZN School of Music. That is where she gained appreciation of working with musicians. She is currently working on her first album.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Khole: I grew up on a small farm in Swaziland called Ngogola with my grandmother and cousins. However, it was when i started leaving with my parents in the Capital town Mbabane that my musical interests started. I was a very energetic, creative child; always gathering other children to dance and sing something we had seen on TV or read in a book. I knew early on that i wanted to express myself in an artistic manner. I was attracted to anything that was creative and i could see as beautiful and meaningful.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Khole: Khole is actually short for Kholekile which is my name, given to me by my father. My Mother who is not a Swazi, she is a muSotho had difficulty pronouncing it and she created this nickname for me. She was the only one who used this name and when I was trying to come up with a stage name i thought it was catchy and would always be a sweet reminder of her.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Khole: At first I wasn’t comfortable with online music sharing, there was much debate surrounding it early days. However, with time I have learned to appreciate the power it gives musicians. The one thing and artist wants is to get a platform to share their talent and get the deserved recognition. It all depends on learning how to use the internet, after that, I believe it’s a winning situation is created. I have given music for free, but I’m still learning how to make it work for me.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Khole: The way I see it is artists must invest in learning the business side of things almost as much as they master their instruments. Learn branding, how to market yourself, and how to stay relevant.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Khole: I like being with people from all walks of life, I like to listen to their stories, I like poetry. I also love being in the outdoors and appreciating Gods creation and I also enjoy observing my surroundings as if I’m not a part of it. When I decide to write a song these things inspire me. For structure, I listen to Jazz music, soul, in fact all kinds of music that touches my soul. I can either have a few words to start with or a melody or even a base line. I have composed most of my songs based on words and I try to find the right notes for the words which lead me to a melody. Then I find a suitable progression on the keyboard.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Khole: I do not have a website yet, but it is definitely in pipeline. So far, I have been using Face Book, WhatsApp, Email and Twitter.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Khole: I would go to music school, do music business studies and polish on my keyboarded and guitar skills. I would buy a good quality sound system and invest in some instruments for my band. I would be a qualified music teacher, producer and music business women.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Khole: So far I’m realizing that the social network is a big way to advertise and stay In touch with my fans. The online stores like ITunes are also good way of being visible and making your music available to a wider market.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Khole: The plan is to launch my debut album in November. I’m currently getting ready to start recording beginning of May. In the meantime, people should enjoy the singles I’ve put out.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Khole: I honestly don’t want to do anything else. In the end, teaching music is what will give me satisfaction.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Khole: It has not been easy. I am still perfecting my routine. At the end of the day everything has to be done.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Khole: This year my debut album is coming out and many shows are lined up.