Zola Mhlongo
Metro FM weekend breakfast presenter Zola Mhlongo has made her official entry into the music scene with the launch of her first single, Vuka.
Released in mid-January 2026, the song demonstrates Zola’s commitment to being recognized as a serious artist, moving beyond her well-known presence on radio.
Vuka, which translates to “wake up” in isiZulu, is a deeply personal piece that reflects a time of emotional reflection and struggle.
In an interview with Daily Sun, Zola shared that the track serves as a personal reminder she crafted during a challenging period when self-confidence was hard to maintain.
She elaborated that the song acts as a call to overcome doubt, acknowledge one’s value, and persist through life’s difficulties.
Combining elements of Afro-soul with heartfelt, uplifting lyrics, Vuka conveys a theme of resilience and renewal.
Zola mentioned that recording the track was an emotional journey, as she infused genuine experiences into both its lyrics and her performance.
She aims for the audience to experience the same sense of encouragement from the song that she felt during its creation.
Despite her busy schedule at one of South Africa’s leading radio stations, Zola noted that pursuing music seemed like a seamless part of her mission.
Both hosting and singing allow her to connect with individuals and promote positivity, she explained.
The timing for releasing her music now reflects her readiness to share this aspect of herself, both emotionally and creatively.
