When she is not on a photoshoot or ramp somewhere modelling, believe it or not, she is an exceptional drummer and talented poetess. ...
When she is not on a photoshoot or ramp somewhere modelling,
believe it or not, she is an exceptional drummer and talented poetess.
Urban Craft magazine recently caught up with the multi-talented
beauty, Nomaswazi Tshabalala and she opened up to us about her passion, not only
for modeling but for music and poetry as well.
"My passion for modelling started when I was young and
it makes me feel alive, it brings out life in me. I had always been shy but meeting
Welshman Sibanda aka Welsh the Stylist in 2015 inspired me to come out of my
shell. Welsh is the one that I want to thank for encouraging me to step out, I
remember vividly in 2015 when he gave me a lecture about fashion and being
confident in myself", she said.
That same confidence is evident and can clearly be felt in her
music and poetry.
"I am a drummer in the ensemble 'Drums of Peace', where
we drum, sing and dance. I cannot talk about Drums of Peace without mentioning
my lovely Director, Mr Lewis Ndlovu, the one who mentored me in playing the
djembe.
"I know sometimes I am a slow learner but he was
patient with me and now I can say with some degree of confidence that I am a
drummer because of him. Drums of Peace is my second family, special mention goes
to Sibongile Tembo, Happy, Sjure, Maqhawe, Gomez and others.
"In as far as the poetry, I guess it is in the blood, my
late grandfather was a great poet his name is GB Tshabalala and he wrote
Ndebele poems for schools alongside NS Sigogo, I guess that is where my
inspiration comes from", said Tshabalala.
The strikingly beautiful model/poetess/drummer says that she
was honoured to have been a guest at SKYZ metro FM and having the opportunity
to be on radio during the breakfast show with Arthur C Evans. She describes the
whole experience as 'awesome'.
Besides this particular encounter, Tshabalala's journey so far
has been full of such memorable moments and more.
"One of my most memorable highlights was performing at
Amagugu Cultural Center with Drums of Peace alongside Mzoe7, Sandra Ndebele and
Hwabaraty to mention but a few. I remember vividly when we climbed to the
mountain top to do sunset drumming, it was a lovely view.
"The Independence Exhibition and the Winter Affair Exhibition
are also some of my memorable moments since I got to meet the Mayor of Bulawayo
and the Honourable Minister Makhosini Hlongwane and to put the icing on the cake,
my pictures were displayed on the walls of the great Bulawayo Gallery. I have
to thank my photographer Mgcini Nyoni for giving the confidence and helping me find
new ways of portraying myself. Today I can bravely say that I am one of his
best models.
" I also cannot forget Nhlanhla Dabengwa of Diamond
Berry Enterprises who organised the Winter Affair exhibition. Being somebody that
is passionate about charity, the 'Bid A Date Auction', a fundraiser that we did
to save Simanyane Zimcare Trust School alongside Lynn Mabuya and Muzi, is something
that is so close to my heart", she said.
The first year Law student at Unisa said that she had set big
goals for herself and that started with her finishing her studies.
"My goal is to finish my law degree and at the same
time grow in the modelling business, be a stylist like my mentor and establish
my own brand while at the same time nurturing my poetry side. I might also consider
having a PhD in Law and be an independent woman, have a great family and
continue doing charity work", said Nomaswazi.
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