Matshediso “Tshedi” Florence Mholo (born September 27, 1976) is one of those South African women who project confidence, strength, and genuine talent and find themselves in harmony with the multiple challenges the world poses. An outstanding Afro-pop singer, a mother, and a person of sagacity, she has earned the reputation of a woman with a perspective. She can make a difference wherever it is necessary – not only her common wisdom but also background, enthusiasm, and unflagging energy help her follow her path and be a success.
There is no wonder that the existing crowds of marveling fans are constantly expanding: it is Tshedi’s personality that attracts people and makes them fall in love with her gift, passion, charisma, and determination. In spite of her fame and people’s excitement, she is still a modest person. It is the combination of humility and brightness that makes her attractive and interesting. She is regularly invited to different high-profile events and TV shows.
Biography
Tshedi was born in Boikhutso, the township in Lichtenburg, North West Province, South Africa. She cherishes the memories connected with her hometown and does a lot of work to represent it. Regardless of her location, she never forgets about her motherland and regularly mentions it in interviews. Interested in music from an early age, Tshedi continued to express interest and became a member of the University of North West Student Choir. Later, she worked as a music and drama teacher at the Mmabana Cultural Centre in Mmabatho; in 2003, she met Bongani Nchang and Jabulani Ndaba who were to become her bandmates, and the trio started climbing the ladder of success.
Music Career
The newly formed group Malaika released the first album of the same name in 2003 and won the hearts of millions all over the globe. It was Malaika that performed in Sandton in order to support hosting the World Cup-2010 in Africa and send this message to the world, and the group managed to do it perfectly. In 2004, Malaika was invited at the G8 Summit in South Africa, and further invitations followed one another. The next album, Vuthelani (2005), was even more amazing and successful and brought numerous awards, for example, the Kora for Best Southern Group of the same year at the Kora Awards.
As new albums were released, the group remained at the top positions in various music charts and received many prestigious awards. Apart from that, Malaika has also collaborated with other musicians, some of which are the American R&B singer Joe Thomas, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Mya, the Manhattans, and others.
The group is also known for the stunning live performances: the Inauguration of President Mbeki, the Birthday of President Obasanjo, 10 Years Democracy events, and a great number of awarding ceremonies for teachers, athletes, and other awardees serve as a perfect example. Malaika has taken part in many charitable actions, for instance, the group members have participated in the world 46664 campaign aimed at help control AIDS. It was in 2013 at a Jazz Festival in Moretele Park‚ Pretoria, when the group performed for a final time. The attempts to revive Malaika failed: as Tshedi says, the group members do not get on well now, and it makes her sad.
Still, Tshedi’s professional activities are not limited to Malaika – she successfully stands on her own and develops new ideas. On October 14th, 2013, Victory, her solo album, was released by Sony Music Africa (the album is available on ITunes). Victory differs from everything Tshedi has been doing before: a listener will find a rich diversity of sounds reflecting a unique diversity of Africa and distinguishing this music from her previous works.
The singer herself controlled all stages of recording and made improvements when it seemed necessary. At the same time, she cooperated with the world-known professionals in order to let her dream come true: Sipho Sithole, Guffy Pilani, Robbie Malinga, the Duo-The Fareinheitz (Angola), Mojalefa Thebe, Thaso, and Dj Choice are some of them. At the moment, she works with the Nandos Head Office (Great Britain).
Actress and Artist
A person of many talents, Tshedi is fond of art and craft. She adores painting and decorates her house with some of her works. Tshedi seems to be passionate about gorgeous cars. In fact, her choices demonstrate her tastefulness and personality in everything.
She also shows interest in the stage: she acted in Muvhango (the South African TV series) and Ga Re Dumele (the sitcom set in Jouberton) aired on SABC 2. Tshedi starred in Ga Re Dumele in 2014 and continued her work during all episodes of that year.
Social Activist
One of the most remarkable things is Tshedi’s activism. She is one of the most recognizable persons in Johannesburg and other places not only due to her music and acting. The examples of her social activities and philanthropy are numerous. In 2003, after her father’s death caused by cancer, she became one of those who initiated an open discussion in order to enhance the population’s knowledge about the disease. Another brilliant example is Malaika’s participation in the AIDS show in 2006: it was Tshedi who took the lead. In 2008, the singer was one of the individuals involved in the public discussion shedding light on the Guide Dogs which take care of blind people.
Tshedi addresses women and children issues. In this respect, 2008 was probably one of the busiest years. In May, xenophobia was in the focus of everybody’s attention: that period is marked by the events that shocked the whole world. Tshedi was one of the leaders who actively fought against inhumane doings and helped mothers and their children who suffered from aggression because of their clothes and food. The funeral of a young boy, Mpho Phoga, who was the victim, was one of the events retained in people’s memory: Tshedi was present, and she bought groceries for those who were there.
In the same year, Tshedi was one of the guests of Jozi FM program intended to help a young rape victim. The visit to Makgofe Secondary School in Makgofe Village, Limpopo also illustrates Tshedi’s concerns about people, especially kids. The aim of this event was to support the Kids Changing the World Campaign and Sports for Development program, and Tshedi cooperated with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNCEF). She is famous for the close and long-term collaboration with UNCEF: she is a former celebrity advocate of the organization and a motivational speaker of note. Tshedi owns Leopard Queen Network (PTY) Ltd., the company known for its women and children support activity.
Mother
One of the most striking facts is that Tshedi manages to combine a flow of new ideas and activities with care for children. Her interest in motherhood and childhood is probably explained by her personal considerations: having adopted five children, she looks after their school performance and financial issues and gives them much love. She believes the children are the most important part of her life.
Interesting Facts
- In 2015, Tshedi celebrated 20 years in the music industry.
- Tshedi loves traveling and fast driving. She visited a great number of countries (the USA, Canada, Swaziland, Malaysia, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Mozambique, Tanzania, and so on).
- The singer plays for Kaizer Chiefs soccer team as a defender.
- Tshedi used to be interested in in the transportation business. She even possessed metered taxis around Gauteng (a province of South Africa).
Awards
- Best Afro Pop Album, Metro FM – 2004;
- Best Group, Metro FM – 2004;
- Best Album, Metro FM – 2004;
- Best New Comer Group, Kora Award – 2004;
- Best Afro Pop Group, Channel O Music Video Awards – 2005;
- Best Southern Africa Group, Kora Award – 2005;
- Best Afro Pop, South African Music Awards – 2006;
- Best Selling Album, South African Music Awards – 2005;
- Best Afro Pop, South African Music Awards – 2008;
- Best African Pop Album – Sekunjalo, South African Music Awards;
- Best Afro Pop Group, Channel O Music Video Awards;
- Best Afro Pop Album, Best Group & Best Album, Metro FM Awards.
Recent Events
- February, 2015 – Mzansi Magic Soul Session (performer);
- February, 2015 – BMW Plant Rosslyn Plant Tours (visitor);
- April, 2015 – Fashion Meets Gospel (judge);
- September, 2015 – UNICEF Conference “End Violence Against Children” (visitor);
- May, 2016 – UNICEF Johannesburg Offices Inauguration (visitor);
- July, 2016 – South African Social Security Agency 10th Anniversary (performer).