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INLSA<\/p>\n
Freshlyground’s lead singer Zolani Mahola. Photo: Sibonelo Ngcobo<\/p>\n
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SOUTH African hit band Freshlyground experienced career highs at the weekend \u2013 performances at Harlem\u2019s historic Apollo Theatre in New York, news of a top award and the start of a US tour to promote their new album. These special moments topped off an exciting week, which began with the news of lead singer Zolani Mahola\u2019s pregnancy. <\/p>\n
The group performed twice on Saturday at the Apollo Theatre as part of the Africa Now festival. <\/p>\n
The Apollo became famous for launching the careers of artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and many more. <\/p>\n
Mahola, who is to become a mother in August, told The Mercury on Sunday night that Freshlyground was on their fourth visit to the US. <\/p>\n
\u201cPerforming at The Apollo was quite incredible. To walk on the same stage as so many greats \u2013 it was perhaps even a bit intimidating,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
Of the pregnancy, she says it is a joyous part of her journey. <\/p>\n
\u201cAny time you have a baby is a blessing, but this feels so much cooler because myself and my partner decided to have a baby, so it was a considered thing. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe’re in a good relationship and in a good space in our lives. It feels so good to go into something having thought it [through],\u201d the singer said in an interview with Times Live. <\/p>\n
She also revealed that she will hold off from international touring commitments from May and has joked that she now has a \u201clicence to eat\u201d. <\/p>\n
Mahola revealed the news on the eve of Freshlyground’s five-city American tour and acceptance of the inaugural Next Generation award at the Shared Interest Annual Gala. <\/p>\n
The event \u2013 a celebration of leaders who are seen to be making a difference in Southern Africa \u2013 will honour the band for their involvement in the fight against HIV\/Aids in South Africa. <\/p>\n
On Monday the group will receive an award from Shared Interest, a New York-based non-profit social investment fund at New York\u2019s Gotham Hall. <\/p>\n
Freshlyground\u2019s fifth album, Take Me to the Dance, was released in America and Canada last week. <\/p>\n
They will be touring the US until March 22 and are scheduled to perform at Durban\u2019s North Beach on April 1. <\/p>\n