Beautiful Forever
Verbalz: HYPE
Visualz: Zoliswa
These days’ social media is ideally treated as a personal digital diary. Seriously, people probably no more about you than you think. Although now it’s become a norm to come across so many beauties that are surely to make your entire day a good one, there will always be those that stand-out for some generic, enchanting, obvious or odd reason. One such gem is fashion enthusiast Zoliswa, who could probably turn any guy to stone from the first glance (for real). Having been featured on a number of fashion look-books and even managing to add some portrait work to her credentials, let this freckled goddess put a smile on your face forever.
Where did you grow up?
I’ve lived in Joburg for 8 years but I’m originally from Durban, Emlazi. Shout out to Big Nuz for putting my hometown on the map.
So you are sort of beautiful OK and those sun-kissed freckles just seem radiate the obvious. Were you always accepting of your appearance?
Well thank you (blushes). I love my freckles and I don’t think there was ever a point in my life where I had a problem with them. I think coming from a family that encourages me to embrace my uniqueness has also helped.
Your social media profile is really colourful. You’re a fashion design student and have even modelled for a couple of street fashion brands/photographers/catalogues. How did your interest to dive into the creative world develop?
I’ve had a passion for fashion, for as long as I can remember. I probably watched more fashion TV than Cartoon Network when I was younger. I studied at the National school of arts as well, so I’ve always been a Creative at heart. Instagram has been an amazing platform to express myself and has also exposed me to incredible opportunities that have helped me grow as a brand.
“There’s nothing more attractive than being with someone who’ll inspire you to work harder”
– Zoliswa
What would you say is your best characteristic?
My inability to tolerate nonsense. Apparently I’m lit.
What’s the sweetest thing a guy has ever done to impress you?
Someone baking me a cake for my birthday. He came to campus earlier than usual and waited for me in my lecture room in the morning. It would’ve been a different story if it was a store bought cake. But the fact that he baked it himself, the ultimate sweetest.
What do you find most attractive in a man?
Ambition and someone who is driven. Get out there and hustle. There’s nothing more attractive than being with someone who’ll inspire you to work harder.
What do you find least attractive in a man?
A lack of personal hygiene. Unacceptable.
What’s currently on your playlist? Who are your ears stuck onto?
Hiatus Kaiyote’s Tawk Tomahawk album is first on the list. Chance’s Coloring book and his 10 Day mixtape. Isaiah Rashad’s ‘Smile’ single, patiently waiting on his next release. I wasn’t crazy about Views but ‘Childs Play’ is a jam. And lastly, I still listen to Jill Scott’s Who is Jill Scott album often. Locally, Anatii, Nasty C and Okmalumkoolkat are doing the most for me right now.
Which hip hop track puts you in a good mood?
So explicit but Kanye’s feedback. Always puts me in a good mood.
What are your hobbies, besides giving guys chest pains?
My course is quite demanding so I don’t have enough time to do all the things that I’d like to do. I spend most of my free time doing things relating to fashion, like checking out my favorite fashion blogs or doing photo shoots. I wish I could ride bicycles more often. I enjoy cooking and baking as well. My pancakes will change your life. Basically, anything that will allow me to tap into my creativity, I’m up for.
“I love my freckles and I don’t think there was ever a point in my life where I had a problem with them.”
– Zoliswa
There’s a little game we would like to play with you, if you don’t mind; it’s called ‘Kill. Bang. Marry’ and these are your options: J.Cole, AKA and Chance The Rapper. Go!
J Cole, I’d marry. Chance (bang bang). I’m sorry Super Mega but I had to…
Damn…
What does it mean to you to be a young African woman?
It means being proud of where you come from and who you are; unapologetically embracing your African roots and what makes you distinctly beautiful as an African.
Instagram: @zolfreckles