Tshedi Mholo has announced her official departure from the Afro-pop group Malaika. She released an official statement stating that next year would have marked 20 years of Malaika but sadly she will not be part of the celebrations.
Malaika which consisted of Jabulani Ndaba, Bongani Nchang and Tshedi Mholo, was that group which shook the streets with their upbeat and catchy music. But sadly, their problems started when their group mate Jabulani Ndaba, passed away in 2008.
Their problems became worse in 2011 and rumour has it things were never the same afterwards.
Tshedi attempted to go solo but that career proved to be a flop. Her album did not get played that much on radio and the marketing was dismal. But, sis kept her head high and continued using her God given talent and performed on stages for years now, but not under the banner of Malaika.
It is true what they constantly say the industry wants new talent all the time, making the ones who have stayed relevant for so many years, frizzle out. It is a jungle out there indeed.
In her released statement, Tshedi says she is 'taking her destiny to the next phase.' We bet their hit 2000s song Destiny came to mind when you read that, huh? Anyway, she said, "It is with a heavy heart that I announce my departure from the band."
"Effective immediately I would like to inform you that I will not be doing any public performance or whatsoever under the banner of Malaika."
She did clarify however that there is no animosity between her band member Bongani and other people involved but the decision she took was from a good place. She described her stay with Malaika as incredible and no time has been wasted.
But towards the end of her lengthy statement, Tshedi reveals the real reason she is dumping Malaika,
“Being in the band took a toll on me on so many levels and I have reached a stage where I cannot carry the burden any further. In an already patriarchal society and by extension, the entertainment industry I have for a long time I have constantly found myself under the pressure of being the only girl in the band and having to live up to certain expectations.
“Even after flying solo in 2013, it has been somewhat difficult to cut through the clutter without the shadow of the Malaika cloud following me every step of the way. It has been to my benefit in some instances and my downfall in some,” she explains.
Tshedi closes her statement by saying the group taught her to chase after your dream because life is too short.
“If there is one thing being part of Malaika has taught me over the years is that life is too short to not chase any dream a person might have. That said, I hope my decision would serve as an inspiration to anyone out there who might not be scared to chase their goals individually and independently.”
