Zola 7, the legendary kwaito artist and actor, is the subject of a new documentary that pays tribute to his groundbreaking debut album uMdlwembe and his role in shaping the South African music scene. The documentary, titled after his album, will premiere on SABC 1 on August 20, ahead of his upcoming new album release.
The documentary will feature interviews with Zola 7 himself, as well as other prominent musicians and industry insiders who have worked with him or been inspired by him, such as Maggz, Proverb, pH Raw X and more. It will also explore the social and cultural context that gave rise to uMdlwembe, a kwaito masterpiece that captured the spirit and struggles of the youth in the townships in the year 2000.
Zola 7’s Reflections on uMdlwembe
Zola 7 shared his thoughts on the documentary and his debut album, which he said was a dream come true for him. He said that uMdlwembe was his big break, along with his role in the popular TV drama Yizo Yizo, which catapulted him to fame and success.
“The dream to make uMdlwembe is one thing every young person wants in their lives, to get that break that pushes everything over. uMdlwembe was my break and it came together with Yizo Yizo at the same time. All the things I wanted and prayed for were happening.”
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He also expressed his gratitude for his fans and supporters who have followed his journey and appreciated his music. He said he was humbled by the impact of his career and the opportunities it created for others.
“It was absolutely amazing for me, and I come from ekasi where these things are constantly drilled in your head that they won’t happen. Then we became the generation that proved anything is possible. I know there are a lot of people who are going to look back and say it happened. It gave birth to a lot of people who did a lot of other things, which is satisfying on my side. Thank you so much for all these years, talking about my house, my life, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you. I’m humbled. Thank you.”
Zola 7’s Legacy and Future Plans
Zola 7 is not only a kwaito star, but also a versatile entertainer who has ventured into acting, presenting, producing and philanthropy. He has starred in several TV shows and movies, hosted his own reality show Zola 7, produced music for other artists and supported various community initiatives.
Despite facing some health challenges in 2020, which sparked rumours about his condition on social media, he is ready to make a comeback with a new album that will showcase his talent and passion. He has also teamed up with Beat Makers Market, a platform that connects producers and artists, to find new beats for his songs.
Zola 7 is a living legend who has left an indelible mark on South African culture and music. His documentary is a must-watch for anyone who wants to learn more about his life story and his contribution to kwaito.