Zolani has 'licence to eat'

Freshlyground lead singer Zolani Mahola is expecting her first baby.

The 31-year old shared the news exclusively with The Times yesterday - on the eve of her and the band's trip to the US for a five-city tour, and a small matter of the inaugural Next Generation award at the Shared Interest Annual Gala.

The baby is due in August, and she's making sure she doesn't jeopardise the pregnancy à la Kim Kardashian - what with the busy travelling schedule of the seven-member band. She will hold off from international touring by May.

Yesterday, Mahola said: "Any time you have a baby is a blessing, but this feels so much cooler because myself and my partner decided to have a baby, so it was a considered thing.

"We're in a good relationship and in a good space in our lives. It feels so good to go into something having thought it [through]."

Just last October, Mahola told of how she lost weight after suffering from physical and mental fatigue, but her weight is furthest from her mind right now, she said.

"I have a licence to eat," she joked, "I've realised that you're only pregnant once, or perhaps a few times in your life, and it's okay - you can gain 10kg. I can't be worried and adding that additional stress to my life. I'm just listening to what my body is saying."

The band, which is made up of Mahola, Peter Cohen, Kyla-Rose Smith, Simon Attwell, Julio Sigauque, JoshHawks and Seredeal Scheepers - will be recognised at the NGO Shared Interest's 19th annual black-tie event.

King of Calypso, Harry Belafonte, activist Father Michael Lapsley and JP Morgan will also be honoured next week in New York.

The event is held in celebration of leaders who are seen to be making a difference in Southern Africa.

The band are being recognised for their involvement in the fight against HIV/Aids in South Africa.