MAHOTELLA Queens’ co-founder, Hilda Tloubatla is still fit and healthy as she was when she started the world-renowned group.
Even though she’s turning 81 years old next month, mam Hilda still dances like the Mahotella Queens and Mahlathini started performing yesterday.
The star told Daily Sun that it’s by God’s grace that she’s still standing and dancing from the 1960s.
“Whenever we have gigs, people don’t believe that Mahotella Queens still perform, especially me. They usually think none of the members are still living, but I am here, and I don’t get tired of doing this.
“Sometimes we’ll perform from 8pm to midnight, even in the early morning. Sometimes we have three shows on the same day, and I still don’t get tired. I really say it’s a gift from God that I’m able to still do this and be the only founding member in the group,” she said.
The legendary singer said she’ll be in the group until she feels like she can’t do it anymore.
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“I started this group with the other ladies and Mahlathini. I’m an original member and even when most members passed, we had to continue pushing. I’m left with our bassist, drummer and Mildred Mangxola. I’ve worked for this group, and there’s no other music I’ll do besides this. I’ll do it until I can’t anymore," she said.
Mam Hilda also opened up about their recent projects. The group recently joined forces with fellow iconic group, African Jazz Pioneers for an album.
The album, titled Hello Hello: A Forty Year Anniversary, will be released on Friday, 5 May.
“The collaboration was an idea that came up with our managers. They spoke and thought it would be a good idea to bring us together because we’re top old musicians. They wanted to see if we could come up with something good and we did.
“From the first day we got into the studio, it was great. We knew we’d make a great album. Being old musicians, we had no problem, there wasn’t any drama, just work and we produced new music,” she said.
She said the album will have their old songs and some new tracks.
“We have our old music from our favourite gazette, including African Pioneer music. We have some new songs that we recorded as well. When people listen to this music, they’re going to be excited and they'll love it. They won’t believe it’s us.
“And the young musicians will also learn a thing or two about music. We’ll also host three live shows at the Market Theatre to perform the album from 5 to 7 May. People should come and see how this gogo still dances,” she said.
