Award-winning South African Afro-pop group Malaika were the opening act for R&B star R Kelly’s live show in Sun City last Saturday. From humble beginnings, the group is now known worldwide. The group's sexy lead singer Matshediso Mholo is our guest on The Truth About:

Born: September 27, 1976

Home Town: Lichtenburg, North West Province

Children: 5-year-old daughter Kamogelo

Marital Status: Single

Where did it all begin for Malaika?

Jabu (Ndaba) and Bongani (Nchang) had been in the industry for quite sometime before we met. We met at a church in Soweto, where I had found a teaching job. They were looking for someone who could bring a different feel to the group and you can say I was at the right place at the right time. Godfrey ‘Guffy’ Philane became our producer and we all began on this amazing journey together.

How did the group get its name?

We wanted a nice name that related to our religious background. It was Jabu who came up with the name after having met Thandiswa Mazwai’s daughter, Malaika. He loved the name which is Arabic and means My Angel. We are angels; we are Christians; we got gospel songs in our albums and that background influences how we as a group carry ourselves in front of our fans.

Did you have any idea when you started that you would get this far in your career?

Everybody was dreaming big, but we never really thought we would be where we are now. Our ambition was just to break into the music industry and do well, and we thought we could achieve that by bringing something different. I thank God that despite all the relative success, we’re still the same people that we were before we became famous. When I go home and visit my mother, I still hang out with my old friends. I still keep in touch with most of them. It is not our identity as Malaika to be seen as unapproachable, no doubt some people see us like that but that’s not us. When I look at how we have come through together, although we have lost Jabu, I do think it was a marriage made in heaven.

It is two years since Malaika last released an album. When can we expect your next project?

We are in the studio as we speak. It is our first album since Jabu’s death so vocally we have to make some adjustments here and there. We have decided to once again work with Guffy who was there when we started. People will hear a new Malaika sound they have not heard before. We are also going to do a few tracks with an international feel and the album should be released in the first week of September. Our record company (Sony Music) is giving us massive support and we’re feeling more creative than before.

One thing that stands out with Malaika’s stage act is the costumes. Who designs your outfits and how much input do you make?

It’s my friend Jeff who runs a clothing company called Jeff International. We sit down and brainstorm -- from hairstyles, shoes to the music. The music must be tied to the outfit. Seeing that we are not growing younger, we are drifting slightly towards a mature but sexy look. Next time we are in London you will see a hot mama (giggles).

You are a sucker for art. Where does the passion come from?

My mother used to be an artist. I remember when I was 10 her best friend died and in her memory, we managed to open a park which we decorated with carved stones and flowers. It is something that runs in my family … making something out of nothing. I grew up using hand-made stuff, made out of recycled materials. I did art at junior school although I didn’t explore it to tertiary level.

I have also been collecting a lot of art from different countries; everywhere I see a work of art I stop and buy something. I now have too many pieces of art in my house I don’t know where to place them. I hope that in future I can have a place where I will put all of it on display, and get others who share my passion to participate.

What other career choices did you consider before you threw your lot with music?

I wanted to be a beauty therapist. I think that particular feeling came when I was at a stage where adolescence was taking over – with pimples all over my face. I guess I was a bit concerned with what was happening around the time … wondering what skin care cosmetics to use and so forth.

I also toyed with the idea of being a town planner. I was influenced by where I came from. We had small houses and people didn’t have much space to extend whereas white people somehow found themselves with large enough yards to build tennis courts and sprawling swimming pools. In black neighbourhoods there weren’t enough art and sports recreational centres.

In the end, I became a teacher of course, to a large extent inspired by mother who was a teacher.

What was your worst job ever?

Being a cashier! I worked at a store called Clicks, which specialised in pharmaceuticals, toiletries and cosmetics. It wasn’t the most particularly challenging or rewarding job but I had no choice. I was still at university and needed the pocket money. It was just a way of keeping myself busy but I must say the pay was a pittance, I think R8 per hour it was. I was professional though, I was never called for a disciplinary hearing.

Can you tell us something about you that no-one knows?

I am a speedster, I love driving more than anything else. I have completed an advanced driving course and consider myself a passionate, careful but fast driver. My car is the most comfortable thing around. I am just attracted to anything that has to do with speed, fire and power … just put me there.

I have recently obtained a learner’s licence for a motorbike, although I am yet to do my test.

What’s the scariest thing you have ever done?

I went for a bungee jump at the OrlandoTowers in Soweto last year in September. I was doing it for an Australian TV documentary team. I don’t think I will do it again. It was totally scary. My intestines froze, I tried eating but my digestion system was a bit stressed out for several hours.

Which song holds special memories for you, and why?

Cry for Help by Rick Astley. It’s very important for us, especially black people, to talk when we need help, to break the silence. We must always strive to work together, help the next person. A lot is happening on our continent and around our communities where the demands are on us as a people to work together. We need each other everyday to make things work.

We carry our kids for nine months in the womb, and when they are born they cry when they need your attention, that’s the power of communication. We need to help each other in times of need, and in times of trouble. We all need peace and love in this world, and we can only get it if we cry out and if we ask for help.

What do you know for sure about life?

I am growing every day.

If we could make three wishes come true for you, what would they be?

To be a world-recognised female artist. I want to see myself on Michael Jackson’s level. I want to see my daughter being the best she can be in life, whatever she is going to choose, I will support her. I also wish to see Africa at peace with itself; no more wars. It would be nice if all African presidents got together and came up with solutions for our continent. I want individual Africans to have peace within themselves so that it transfers to next person.

Have you thought of a solo career?

Yes. I have done a few singles, but not an album. My last recording was a song for Obama which I did last year. More urgently, I am putting together a TV show to be broadcast on the Africa Magic channel on DSTV. (Interview by: Mduduzi Mathuthu)