Child stars usually fizzle out of the limelight or lose their way but maskandi singer and now etv’s Gumba Gumba presenter Ntombi Ngcobo-Mzolo, shows her staying power.
You have a show called Gumba Gumba, what is it about?
It is a show that targets young people who love their culture and have a passion for traditional music. The show plays and promotes African music including isicathamiya, maskandi, tradtional Venda, mohobelo (Sotho), harepa (Pedi), Xhosa and Tsonga traditional/disco music. A guest artist is invited for each episode to share their experiences and inspiration behind their music.
Was traditional music always a career path you wanted to follow?
Having maskandi musicians, Ihashi Elimhlophe and Ebony as parents, definitely influenced my career choice. I got into music at age 13 when my siblings and I formed a group, Amaponi in 1998 which also sang maskandi. Since the group ended I’ve released a solo album that was nominated in the Best Urban Pop category in last year’s SAMAs.
You have famous parents and you became a celebrity early in life. Has fame had any influence on your life now?
I grew up in a family where respect reigned over everything. We were taught to stay humble and appreciate everything we had. There was no space for spoilt brats in our house. Fame grounded me because I got to understand that whatever I did would always go back to my parents and so I never did anything that could possibly embarrass the family.
What else are you working on, other than presenting?
I co-own Mshiswa Media, a production company I run with my husband. We manage artists, do film and music production. I’ve started recording my second solo album, which should be out in August after taking a break to raise my two-year-old daughter.
What advice would you give aspiring presenters and musicians?
Know and understand what your goal is and you’ll never get distracted.
