Loyiso Bala backs up entertainment career with a solid education

'There were days when I felt like giving up,' he says on getting his MBA

03 February 2025 - 17:16
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Loyiso Bala speaks about graduating with an MBA in 2020.
Loyiso Bala speaks about graduating with an MBA in 2020.
Image: Instagram/ Loyiso Bala

Loyiso Bala has been in the entertainment industry for over 26 years and credits education for his longevity. 

Speaking to TshisaLIVE, Bala shared his journey, highlighting the challenges of being a musician and the importance of adapting to change.

At 36, Loyiso realised that his music career, although successful, was not sustainable in the long run. He saw many musicians struggling financially and knew he needed to make a change. 

"I was successful in the industry, but I've seen the story way too many times. I knew I needed to do something to ensure I still had a career," he said.

“I was very close to the struggle of our legends. These were guys who were part of the biggest groups, not as the lead singer but as part of the band and they would recount 'in my days' stories.” 

“The ones who had some success were very few and far between. I was never as big as a Hugh Masekela, but I was successful, so I needed to make a decision to do something that would make sure I am still playing a role and have a career because I should never think I'm special and that things would be different for me.” 

Bala decided to pursue an MBA, which he completed in 2020. He recalled feeling out of place in his first class but persevered, eventually finishing with distinctions and topping his class. 

“In the first class there was just absolute fear in my face. I knew nothing. I finished with distinctions. There were days when I felt like giving up and I'd say 'let me sleep on it', and wake up and go again."

Bala said he understood that he needed to do more to ready himself for better opportunities, which saw him volunteering to work at TBN for three years. He moved to the SABC in 2021, where he currently works as a business manager for the Eastern Cape, overseeing Umhlobo Wenene and Tru FM. 

“I volunteered for three years and that was an investment. I knew I was doing it to get the experience that I needed. At some point you need to humble yourself. Just like in 2010 I knew I wanted to go into gospel so I went and sat with 18-year-olds in a bible school class. You've got to look through your imposter syndrome and stop thinking that it's too late.”

He has found a new sense of purpose in his work, which is no longer just about building a career but about making a positive impact on society.

Although Balas focus has seemingly shifted, music remains an integral part of his life. 

He still hopes to release new music in the future. However, he now does it for the love of music rather than just to build a career.

"You don't have to get a degree or MBA, but there are many other ways to improve yourself and qualify yourself.

“There's so much more to come. I feel like I just got started. There's so many options of things that I can do, but stay where you are until the season is over. Education has played one of the biggest roles in my life and it strengthened my faith. I'm at the point that when I'm certain about something — it's definitely going to happen. 

"I fully embrace the season that I am in. I do have plans. I have recorded some things during my time, but right now, I am enjoying the process. Everything will happen in its right season. When it happens it's not going to be too late, because the timing is always going to be in season."


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