By Doreen Mokgolo
Gospel musician Zanele “Zaza” Mokhethi has opened herself up to mentoring young women who are pursuing their careers in gospel.
The Woman in Chronicle event was born last year in April to help young women find their feet with the help of the award-winning gospel musician.
The KwaThema-born musician told Scrolla.Africa when she joined the industry at age 18 she wished for someone with experience to hold her hand and show her the ropes.
“I had to learn the culture and the business side of gospel, which includes understanding contracts that can end a musician’s career,” she said.
She has over the years seen talented musicians losing all that they have worked hard for because they tied themselves to contracts that seemed to benefit everyone but themselves.
“Our industry is male-dominated and women often struggle to find their feet and end up being vulnerable to vultures,” she said.
Through this initiative, she believes the new gospel artists will be better armed.
The “Namhla Nkosi” hitmaker is working with 22 young women from Mpumalanga, the Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo and North West.
She offers her experience and insight about the industry, contracts and business skills.
“As gospel musicians we are expected to act and dress in a dignified way. The way you carry yourself is very important if you want to support and sell your music.”
She will be recording the second Woman in Chronicle Chapter Two live with all the 22 young women under her tutelage in August where they will show off their skills and talent on the stage and with the world.
Zaza added that she is proud of the young women who reached out for her hand.
“This is only the beginning of women of all ages empowering one another,” she said.
Pictured above: Gospel musician Zanele “Zaza” Mokhethi
Image source: Supplied
