Recent pictures of Shalate Sekhabi sporting a bold shaved head have left many fans worried, with some speculating that the actress might be suffering from a serious illness like cancer. However, Sekhabi, known for her role as Shoki on e.tv’s House of Zwide, has been quick to assure fans that she is in good health.
The actress and singer, who recently released her debut five-track EP titled “Love Is…”, continues to thrive both in her acting career and her newfound musical journey.
It has been just over a month since Sekhabi’s EP was unveiled, and it has already made a significant impact. Her venture into music came as a surprise to many who were unaware of her singing talent.
However, Sekhabi revealed that music was not a new endeavor for her. Before becoming a well-known actress, she had already explored the world of music. Despite her passion, she decided to pause her musical pursuits due to difficulties in finding the right collaborators.
Reflecting on her journey, Sekhabi shared, “I struggled with anxiety about producing music and worried whether people would like it or even want to hear it. Fear held me back for a long time, but I realized that waiting and doing nothing would only lead to regret. So, this time, I decided to face my fears and put my music out there.”
Her decision proved fruitful as she released her EP on September 1. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, much to her delight. “I didn’t know what to expect since this was my first body of work. I poured my heart into it, hoping it would be well-received. The positive reviews have been incredibly heartwarming,” Sekhabi said.
At 23, Sekhabi credits her role in House of Zwide for giving her music career a significant boost. “Acting on House of Zwide has exposed my music to a much larger audience than I might have reached otherwise. The show has placed me in an environment with diverse artists, allowing me to make connections that have been invaluable for the logistics and business aspects of my music career. I am truly grateful for that,” she explained.
Describing her music as new-age R&B, Sekhabi chose this genre because it resonated deeply with her during the creation of her project. Singing brings her immense joy, offering a sense of freedom that she cherishes. She also took piano lessons to further develop her musical skills.
Sekhabi credits her mother for nurturing her singing talent from a young age. “What sets my music apart is its rawness and genuineness. It comes straight from the heart. I discovered my gift for music when I was about six years old, and my mom played a crucial role in developing my skills. She would rehearse songs with me, teach me how to harmonize, and help me warm up my voice.”
Coming from a family of artists, Sekhabi was naturally drawn to the creative world. “My parents are entertainers and creative individuals. Growing up in that environment, it was inevitable that I would gravitate towards the arts,” she said.
For her debut EP, Sekhabi chose not to include any features, wanting the focus to be solely on her voice. “I wanted my first body of work to be a pure expression of myself. My voice is the star of the EP, and I didn’t want anything to distract from what I had to offer,” she explained.
Looking ahead, Sekhabi plans to explore other genres but is currently focused on honing her unique sound. She aims to avoid overwhelming her audience with too many different styles. She is also working on releasing visuals and more music to continue building her musical presence.
