Zethe, the winner of the Vodacom NXT LVL Show, has launched her new EP, Qhawekazi, in Durban.
The KwaZulu-Natal born songstress, Zethembiso 'Zethe' Mdletshe, shot to fame after winning the grand prize on the Vodacom NXT LVL Show. She was mentored by DJ Euphonik, and wowed the fans and the judges with her incredible vocals and sound. Read more about her experience here.
Since the show ended, she's been hard at work in the studio working on her five-track EP. It includes her first single, 'Zazi'. 'After the show, I moved to Joburg,' she says. 'I took a break from everything and just focused on the music and on working on this EP.'
'The album includes music I've been writing for the past three years. The songs talk about being strong and courageous in everything that you do. I'm a firm believer in being fearless.'
The album title, Qhawekazi, means 'heroine' in Zulu, and it's all about women empowerment. And girls as young as eight are loving it. 'I don't mind who is inspired by my music, but recently I've noticed a lot of young girls looking up to me. The album is dedicated to my nieces, who are two and three years old.'
Although she's been touring and travelling, she's come home to Durbs to launch her EP and rock some of her favourite venues. The EP launch took place on 11 May with celebs and media at the UKZN Centre for Jazz & Creative Arts.
'The five-day launch tour enabled me to share my experiences and the importance of self-worth,' says Zethe. 'The EP really focuses on being bold and strong, the characteristics of iQhawekazi. I just want to plant that in everyone who listens to it, especially during my electric live performances.'
When asked what she'd say to young people wanting to follow in her footsteps, Zethe pauses for just a moment. 'Trust in timing,' she says. 'Work hard, keep doing your part and when the time is right, things will fall into place.'The EP will be available on all digital music platforms from 11 May 2018.
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