Mafikizolo's Theo gets down to business: We haven't won a Grammy yet!

From Mafikizolo to being a record label boss, Theo Kgosinkwe's many talents have seen him create a legacy as one of the most versatile artists and businessmen in the country. But there's one thing he hasn't yet achieved: a Grammy award.

Theo sat down with TMG Entertainment recently where he opened up about his life and career. In the chat, he revealed how he and singer Nhlanhla Nciza have always stood out for being a little different, even going back to the days of them forming Mafikizolo.

At the time of their formation, the group was the only mixed gender group signed to record label Kalawa Jazmee, Theo reveals.

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"Putting our image together was a challenge because there was no male and female mixed groups on the label. Our image has always been one of our biggest selling points. We try to project the inspiration in our music onto everything that we do, including our dress. And so when we first started, we were trying to show the 50's and 60's Harlem look that our music was so inspired by," he said. 

As success followed, the group became recognised across South Africa, Africa and the world. Both for their music and their fashion.

"We've never really received any serious criticism of our dress. A lot of people have been complimentary of it," he said.

Going solo

But tragedy after tragedy soon struck the group. First Nhlanhla and Theo's bandmate Tebogo Madingoane was shot and killed in a tragic road rage incident in 2004. And then Nhlanhla lost her 5-year-old daughter, Zinathi, in a car accident.

By the time this last tragedy occurred, the group had decided to take a break and concentrate on other projects.

"It was difficult but we took a break to concentrate on our solo careers and, for me, it was a chance to see if I could really make it as a solo artist," Theo said.

"I received so much love and accolades as a solo artist but I actually found it really challenging. I had become so comfortable in Mafikizolo and had written for other artists but this was a new challenge. And, thankfully, after all of the hiccups, it worked out and I was able to see that I could work and be recognised outside of Mafikizolo," he reflected.

Reunions

Still, Theo knew that he and Nhlanhla had unfinished business and had to reunite.

"We knew that we had plans that we had not yet fulfilled. We still hadn't won a BET award. We haven't won a Grammy award yet. Those are the achievements that inspire us to work harder and to push boundaries." he said.

Business as usual

Besides dedicating much of his time and energy to Mafikizolo, Theo has also found the time to start his own record label.

After a few hiccups, he eventually started to see success with an artist named Melo last year. Sadly, she has since decided to return to school to focus on her studies.

"What many may not know is that I started the label a few years ago but things didn't go well with a business partner. I felt like it was starting to get somewhere last year when I signed Melo but she has now decided to go back to school. I have just signed a hip-hop group, so the label is still going strong," he said.

He confirmed that he and Nhlanhla are currently working on a new album for possible release later this year but said that they are not rushing the process, nor will they release the album on either of their independent record labels.

Instead, he wants to use his business sense to develop other projects away from the Mafikizolo brand. For example, he hopes to next year extend his efforts to TV production.

"I am looking to launch a TV production company next year and hopefully show that side of my talents," he said.