He's noted as one of the best selling South African artist of all time. And where elastic talent and the art of diversifying one's income streams is concerned, Zola is literally the G.O.A.T.
The multi hyphenate artist, who at one point boasted rare credentials of having the highest rated reality television airing at the same time as his albums were churning out summer anthems - and selling like cupcakes - is also respected philantropist. He's two previous reality shows centred on helping people pursue dreams, or resolve family confict.
The kwaito star, who first shot to fame through his iconic role on the cult followed Yizo Yizo, has one of the richest music catalogues of any South African artist. Once touted as the effective King of Kwaito, Zola's albums and singles defined the music landscape for a decade following Yizo Yizo's unprecedented success.
And as pioneers do, he'd go on to refine the art of adding more portfolios to his name. The Sana Lwami hitmaker thrilled his massive fanbase when he availed his own branded mobile phone starterpack in the mid 2000s. It was the first deal of its kind, and revealed the possibilities lying domant in how brands stand to gain from collaborating with local performers at this scale.
Despite this meteoric rise, and the accomplishments that followed him in the sky, Zola conspiciously keeps a low profile these days. What is he up to?
We are delighted to have the icon on V-Entertainment this Friday! Get him to answer your questions during the breaks by tweeting them to @ventertainment, and catch him alongside Enhle on Friday at 18:30!
Images via Gallo Images