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#MusicExchange: Timothy Moloi
![Timothy Moloi](https://biz-file.com/c/1712/423449.jpg)
He is currently in Durban for a show called “A Christmas Celebration” with Khanyo Maphumulo and Dr Tumi from 21-24 December at the Playhouse. I caught up with him en route to Durban.
When are you happiest?
I’m very fortunate to do what I love for a living, but nothing makes me happier than quiet time chilling at home.
What does music mean to you?
Music is my life. I live and breathe music every moment of the day. It’s my therapy, especially if I’m ever feeling down and need some lifting up. And it’s a form of emotional release. I can’t imagine life without it.
Any funny moments on stage?
I was performing with Richard Cock and the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra in the Namib dunes in Namibia earlier this year for an event when the electricity suddenly went off in the middle of me singing "New York, New York". Luckily, everyone continued performing the song “unplugged” much to the audiences delight. Of course the horn players really saved the day!
Your hero?
Nelson Mandela, a true example of selflessness, self-sacrifice, forgiveness and forward-thinking.
Which living person do you admire most and why?
It’s a cliché I know, but one of the people I admire most is Oprah Winfrey. Her life story is inspiring, especially because she is self-made and an example of what is possible with hard work and sacrifice, against all the odds.
What is your most treasured possession?
Good physical and mental health.
It’s your round, what are you drinking?
Champagne, of course!
The song you wished you wrote?
"A Song For You" by Donny Hathaway - a timeless classic.
Dream gig to do?
I am a sports fan and my dream was always to perform at the opening ceremony of the greatest show on Earth, the FIFA World Cup. My dream came true when I got to perform at the opening of the 2010 World Cup at Soccer City in South Africa. It’s going to be a difficult one to beat!
What makes you stand out?
I think what makes me stand out is my musical versatility. Over the years this has been one of the most important facets of my career.
Nicknames?
Most of my close friends call me Timmy.
If you were not a musician what would you do?
Perhaps an airline pilot. When I went to study in the USA in the 90s I was initially going to study mechanical engineering with the hope of becoming a pilot one day. But destiny had a very different plan for me, which I’m now very grateful for.
Pick five words to describe yourself?
Loyal, professional, committed, creative, calm.
Five desert island discs?
Jabu Khanyile: "Umkhaya Lo"
Whitney Houston: "On My Own"
Donny Hathaway: "A Song For You"
Brenda Fassie: "Weekend Special"
Luther Vandross: "So Amazing"
Greatest movie ever made?
As someone who really enjoys watching films, it’s very difficult to choose just one. But if I had to, my favourite movie would be The Godfather. Every time I watch the trilogy it feels like I’m watching it for the first time.
What song changed your life?
"The Greatest Love Of All" by Whitney Houston.
Who do you love?
My partner Brian and my family.
What is your favourite word?
Cool.
Favourite fashion garment?
Denim jeans.
Give us some real proper slang and what it means, please.
Shade! Throwing shade, acting kinda shady, 50 shades of shade. Love that word!
Top of your bucket list?
To watch the 2018 Wimbledon Final live.
Your greatest achievement?
Making a living out of making music.
What do you complain about most often?
Power failures.
What is your fear?
Crime.
Happiness is?
Happiness is loving and being loved in return, and not having to worry about tomorrow or where the next meal will come from.
On stage I tend to?
On stage I tend to not want the moment to end, especially when I have a really good connection with the audience.
If you are walking on stage for a keynote speech, like Barak Obama, what song would you use and why?
The James Ingram song "One More Time" from the Sarafina! soundtrack. It’s so uplifting and rousing.
The best life lesson you have been taught?
The best lesson I’ve learnt in life is that when things don’t go as planned, sometimes it’s because there’s an even better outcome destined for us. But we can only know in hindsight.
Where would you like to be right now?
Right now I feel like I’m exactly where I need to be.
Connect with Timothy Moloi via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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