Tony Dayimane Names Zolani Mahola as a Desired Feature This Year

Tony Dayimane recently shared his aspirations for musical collaborations in 2026. When asked “what’s one feature you want this year?” Dayimane responded that the artist he most wanted to work with was Zolani Mahola.

In his reply, he wrote that Mahola’s voice “brings soooo many memories from back when I was a kid” and suggested that they “get on a record” together to make “this banger”. This exchange indicates Dayimane’s interest in pairing his contemporary hip-hop style with Mahola’s distinct vocal presence in an upcoming project.

Zolani Mahola is a South African singer, songwriter, actress, storyteller and inspirational speaker. She rose to prominence as the lead vocalist of the Afro-fusion group Freshlyground, a band she joined at its formation in 2002. Mahola’s voice became a defining element of the group’s sound, contributing to a catalogue that blended Afro-fusion, folk, jazz, and pop influences. Freshlyground gained international recognition in part through their collaborations with other artists and performances around the world. During their time together, the band performed the 2010 FIFA World Cup anthem with Colombian singer Shakira, exposing their music on a global stage and helping to popularize South African contemporary music internationally.

After 17 years as the frontperson of Freshlyground, Mahola announced in August 2019 that she would be pursuing a solo career, and the band’s final performance with her took place later that year. This transition marked a new chapter in her artistic journey. In her solo work, she adopted the moniker The One Who Sings, a title reflecting both her vocal identity and artistic mission. Since the move to her own music, Mahola has released solo material that continues to explore her stylistic range while drawing on her extensive experience in performance and storytelling.

In addition to her music career, Mahola has appeared as an actress in television and film projects, and she has participated in voice acting for animated films. Her work extends beyond performance into areas such as motivational speaking and arts advocacy, where she engages audiences with themes of creativity, cultural heritage, and personal growth.

Dayimane’s mention of Mahola in response to a fan question highlights the enduring influence of her voice and the respect she commands across different musical communities. His reference to childhood memories associated with her singing underscores the impact her music has had on listeners over time. Should a collaboration between them come to fruition, it would unite Dayimane’s modern rap artistry with Mahola’s seasoned vocal and cultural legacy.