Behind the Name: Hloni "JusHlo_" Mohlala

I do not know about you but of all my proudest moments in life, being a woman tops them all. Now before you scratch out the obvious cause let's face it, we didn't have a choice in the matter and sometimes still feel we needed to. . you know. . .  during that one dreaded week of every month BUT let's face facts: being  woman ROCKS. I mean we have a WHOLE MONTH dedicated to US not for the fun of it but to reminisce and more so celebrate the achievements women have made throughout history. So what better way than to celebrate the very young women who are making that very difference.
I had the privilege of speaking to the woman that knows no bounds to living a fulfilling life and simply makes happiness her mandate.Some of you know her as the niece of Rev Benjamin Dube, some of you know her as the soulful singer for Gospel Alive while some of you know her as Hloni "JustHlo_" Mohlala.

1. Everyone knows you as Hloni, what is your full name and what does it mean?

Malehlogonolo is my full name, it means Luck.I was appropriately named. I’d like to think because my life has been an entire reflection of Blessings & Luck. 

2. You are known as outspoken, vibrant person have you always been like that

Yes. Actually during my nursery days, my parents ALWAYS got feedback from my child minders that I was supposed to be on some sort of stage or on screen.

3. With family being your anchor, what would you say would be the lessons that you have learnt from them particularly your siblings?

That blood is indeed thicker than water. My family is one of a different kind. We have stuck together through everything in life; I mean even with almost losing my dad years back, we remained grounded through all our struggles. I've also learnt to deal with different shades of people because my family has extremely strong & different characters, so that has also fallen properly in the line of work I do. It's assisted me a lot. And lastly to LOVE & RESPECT everyone we meet! It's such a strong value I hold dear to my heart! Everyone who knows me will tell you my favourite line is "YOU DON'T RESPECT ME”

4. As a young woman, are you comfortable in your own skin?

I LOOOOOOVE ME. And ALL OF ME. So yes! 

5.Not a lot of people know this but you started singing at a very young age, how old were you?

A lot of people lie just to give an answer & say 3/4 or even at 10 years old. Lol I don't know honestly, I wasn’t paying attention.. Am I terrible?!! 

6. Do you remember who you were singing to while growing up? 

My nursery school teacher, Felicity. She shun light on my singing ambitions hey, so I think I sang to her.

7. Not only are you a talented singer but you are also educated, how important is education for you?

Education is as important as oxygen for me. It's a passion I cannot express as much I'd like to, education is the future of a gifted human they need to earn than inherit. Nothing in this world is free. What many entertainers don't know is, that statement actually means not even the fruits of your gifts will be free, getting an education is the work you need to put in to sustain the gift. I could go on forever so that's basically it. 

Need I say more?

8.You first shot to fame when you sang "Awudede" by the late Lebo Mathosa at the Hansa Festival Of Legends back in 2013, how was that experience?

Lol was that my 1st shot to fame am I famous already? I wasn't aware. I still think I'm my mother’s daughter actually, that experience was humbling for me, didn't think it would happen the way it did honestly but Gods ways aren't our ways. I met so many amazing people who are now my family not even just friends! Like the Multi award winning accapella group The Soil, Theo Nhlenghetwa & Junior from Boom Shaka & Many Others. All these people are a phone call away now & I could have only dreamed of such when growing up, but I owe it all to God and my older sister who trusted me in vocal training her for that show so thank you Thembi Seete for such an opportunity.

9. You have performed alongside people like Judith Sephuma, Khaya Mthethwa, Zahara and recently Brenda Mtambo, what have you taken from each of those experiences as a performer?

I have learned character is everything. I've learnt that your character will take you where your gift can't keep you. 

10. I heard via the grapevine that you are finally working on your album, what would you say made you wait this long for such cause you are no stranger to the music industry

Hahahaha, that grapevine is indeed a powerful one. I wasn't waiting actually, I was working. Working on me as a vocalist, as a performer, as an entrepreneur and business lady, for when such a time came. It's always been in my plans to be independent musically but I had to take and sponge off all my experiences to reach such a point.

11. You have a foundation called Yellow Diamonds Foundation, how did that come about?

I cannot lie & say I had it planned all my life. Until I woke up one morning and was ready to break free from the chains that were binding me. I broke my silence about being a gang rape victim (probably the hardest time of my life) and I chose to use my pain to change other women's lives, through that I eventually gained the strength to view other aspects of women that we lack as a society & country, I prayed about it and God revealed it to me that it was my assignment to show the world at large that God never gives you a mess without a message. 

12. What is your dream for YDF?

My dream is for it to be a worldwide engine of strong, independent, driven, educated, morally correct women who become tangible change agents in the globe for woman. An untouchable network of women who will become an everlasting evolution to the change of many lives in the world. Not just in SA. 

13.Of all the trips you have taken as a motivational speaker, which of those moments would you say you cherish the most? 

When I went to a school and I was sharing my story & a young girl broke into tears right in front of me, it was in that moment where she broke free, her mates didn't matter, her status at school became null, it was therein where she was ALONE in a crowd of 2000 students dealing with herself which is the hardest thing to do! 

She wasn't crying because it hurt, but because she finally realized that she will be free finally and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.  

14. What's the one thing you want people to ALWAYS know about you?

That I am JustHlo_ and I love flat tummies! Just Wish I had one .