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Meet South Coast Mic Check 1 2 Talent Showcase Mentor Zakhele Maphalalala

Zakhele Maphalalala's story is such an inspiration to the youth, it proves that when one has the right support, the sky is the limit. Zakhele says that Mr Xolani Hlongwa is the reason he is a successful musician, a pianist to be exact, a music business entrepreneur and a Law student.
 
Zakhele started doing classical church music in Anglican Church when he was really young, but he could not play an instrument. He then came to Umlazi Comtech High School. Mr Hlongwa taught him how to play properly, he put him in the school choir. When the school entered a competition, all the other competing schools had a professional pianist play for them, but Zakhele played for his school and they won in second place. He was only thirteen years old. This is when he started earning money for his music talent. This introduced Zakhele to the business side of music at an early age, fortunate enough to have Mr Hlongwa help teach him in this too.
 
Zakhele received a scholarship to study Gemology (a study of precious stones) in China for one year. He later returned to study music for two years in UKZN.
 
Zakhele has taught piano at the Bat Centre for an initiative by the Department Arts and Culture. He was also privileged to be part of Caiphus Semenya's workshop in his music journey.
 
Zakhele has played for former president Jacob Zuma's wedding when he married MaNgema. He is a frequent pianist in their events. He has played in Bongi Ngema Foundation events.  He used to play a lot in Yossis Restaurant in Davenport while still at Umlazi Comtech. The list of events he has performed in is long, it includes Ugu Jazz Festival, Afro Divas, Umkhumbane Jazz, Philani Ngidi, and many more. Zakhele was a judge in Crowns Gospel Awards in 2018.
 
Zakhele is currently studying law: LLB and he is quick to emphasize that his music business is paying for his studies. "Without music there's no life for me. I decided to study LLB because I strongly feel that as music artists or performers we do not have anyone who represents us with our best interests at heart. There is a lot of exploitation. I'm grateful that I met Mr Hlongwa, I had an opportunity to learn so much from him and I am enabled so much my  music is paying for my studies." says Zakhele
 
Zakhele became music director in church, for UCC and Christian Life Centre. Zakhele specializes as a pianist and music teacher.
 
Zakhele says that the South Coast Mic Check 1 2 Talent Showcase programme has been such an amazing experience. Zakhele wishes to emphasize how crucial it is for artists to study and always thrive to upskill themselves.
 
You can connect with Zakhele on social media
Facebook
Prince Zakhele Maphalala

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