WHEN Miss Hilary started as a dancer, she knew she would one day get to where she has always wanted to be.
The 23-year-old Xitsonga dancer and singer told SunBuzz that it has always been her dream to work with big musicians in the industry and it has happened.
Miss Hilary, whose real name is Tinyiko Hilary Khoza, said even though it wasn't an easy journey as many people looked down on her, she managed to get on top and show the world who she is.
"As a dancer I believe music goes hand in hand with dance. Being a dancer I always knew how to express myself through dance, but it never felt enough. Knowing the connection between music and dance I knew I could fully express and explore the connection while conveying a certain emotion that music can deliver," said Miss Hilary from Chiawela in Soweto.
She said she was inspired by her mkhulu.
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"My grandfather played a huge role in my musical taste. Growing up I heard a lot of traditional sounds as well as different musical styles. There’s what he’d call 'old school' and 'modern in their times'. From there on I always had an ear for 'traditional-modern' sounds," she said. Miss Hilary said she is who she is today because of him.
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"I started music around 2014 at high school where I sang in the school choir and thereafter started recording music in the Tsonga traditional music genre with my family. I must say the journey has been wonderful," she said.
She said her musical journey has been filled with great experiences and lessons which shaped her.
"I was nominated for best traditional social media influencer at the SATMAs 2022, and best heritage social media influencer by the national heritage council in November 2022. It was great and thus made me feel happy about my career," she said.
She said she will release her new sound soon.
"I am launching my music career on the 25th of February which will be followed by a release of some of the work we’ve done as well as the continuation of the Miss Hilary Dance Classes," she said.
Miss Hilary said that she has shared the stage with Sho Madjozi, Makhadzi, Rich Mnisi, Cedric Tsongaboy, as well as Miss SA 2020 Shudufhadzo Musida.
