Mic check 1,2: Just Hlo

From gracing our screens on Mzansi Magic's Gospel Alive every Sunday to serenading us with her beautiful melodic voice as she backs up some of the BIG names in the industry, from Zahara and Brenda Mtambo all way to Gospel sensation, Mahalia Buchanan. Now it's time for the beautiful songstress to spread her wings and remind us why we fell in love with soul music. I got a chance to chat with the ever so beautiful Hloni "JustHlo" Mohlala during her busy week preparing for her 1st ever showcase THIS SATURDAY, 14 May 2016.

1. Being that this is the 1^st of MANY showcases, I have to ask, how are you are feeling?

I must say firstly, I'm feeling blessed more than all the other obscure feelings I have. It's such a blessing to see your dream take its shape. Also because obviously I'm nervous and all those butterfly effect feelings haha. I'll be commanding an entire stage for the 1st time alone EVER. 

2. From backing the biggest artists in SA to featuring on a number of projects, now the spotlight is on YOU, what lessons have you taken from them in preparation for this showcase?
Woah, that's a very big question. I learned that perfection is a lifestyle when in preparation for a show. Also just that you need to be patient with the process whilst you prepare. There is a lot that goes into preparing for a show, and it can never be easy with so many different characters involved so one needs to pray a lot and remain humble and grounded through it all. I've also just learned to remain calm through it all. 

3.Being that you are first and foremost a God girl with musical influences ranging from Thandiswa Mazwai to Jazimine Sullivan, how would you describe your sound?

I'd call my sound Afri-Neo-Soul. 

It's inspirational and very personal too. 

4.Give us a run down of “the day in the life of JustHlo_” in preparation of the show?

 Well ... I wake up and pray. 

• check with my manager what my day is like in terms of my diary. 

• Take a shower and get ready

• Head to Rehearsals with the Band till 5pm 

• Do interviews in between that and send emails. 

• Head to check on my wardrobe and style for the following day for any appearances I need to make. 

• Do make up trials for those looks 
•Have Dinner 

• And try head home to rest well after midnight most of the time. 

5. You travel a lot so I have to ask, what are your travel MUST HAVEs?

My neck travel pillow, my phone and my toiletries especially my perfume & ALL my make up . I can walk naked for all I care as long as my neck doesn't hurt, I smell like a million bucks and have a MEGA JustHlo Facebeat on by Doneupkhumo my make up artist so yes this means she NEVER stays behind! Haha. 

Those are my must haves oh and my handbag. Yes I'm a girl. 

6. What can we expect from the show?

Just expect what you know JustHlo to be when seeing her on stage at any given time.