Miss Hilary brings dance and music to the world with debut EP Best of Both Worlds
Twenty-three year old muso, Miss Hilary, was always destined for the music industry. Being raised in a family that embraced its traditional dances and music, the young star was always surrounded by the arts. And as early as her high school days, Miss Hilary – real name Tinyiko Hilary Khoza, pursued a full time career in the dance world but the entertainment bug had bit her years before.
Music was a natural progression from dance, especially since she also spent her high-school days singing in the high school choir. And after years of preparation, dancing on big local stages, the release of her debut EP marks as the beginning of a great career migration.
The EP, dubbed Best of Both Worlds, contains six tracks and shares the singers dual worlds of traditional and modern society, while also delving into the dance and the musical world that infuse to bring the multilingual pop project that also includes her breakout single, Pandza.
“With my EP, I am introducing the listener into a new world,” she said elated. “The entire EP is an introduction of me and is a statement of me saying that I am here and – what better way of doing that than giving you who I really am,” she said.
“It’s just me giving the listener my all and therefore describes exactly who I am.”
The EP was worked on for a year and a half, with Miss Hilary stating that sharing herself with the world is a dream coming true. Her excitement is palpable through her voice. As impressive as she is with her dance and music skills, the budding star is a layer of surprises.
Her love for knowledge and learning led her to complete her BA in Philosophy Politics and Economics, and also graduating with a Postgraduate qualification in Management. Bu even with a potential career laid before her, the entertainment industry has always been her dream.
“I’ve never had to put much effort in balancing anything else with my music and dancing career. To be honest, music and dance are such an integral part of me that they both feel like an extension of myself more than an addition. I completed my matric year and my university studies without any trouble really,” she said.
And having worked with the likes of Rich Mnisi, Makhadzi and Sho Madjozi, dancing professionally for 15 years, the creative hopes her music not only solidifies her place within the industry but further extends the arm of representation for XiTsonga people.
“My family has always been predominantly focused on our XiTsonga culture in terms of singing and dancing and are a family of entertainers. So music and dance have been part of my life for the longest time, from as young as two-years-old.
“So when I got to work with Makhadzi and Sho Madjozi, for example, that was an even greater inspiration for me. Especially because our brands are in alignment. We are all promoting cultures and traditions, and although the execution might differ, the intention is common. Being proudly Tsonga or Venda,” adding that she hopes to further the cause.
“At the same time, I’d like my brand to influence the growth of different cultures and traditions in general. For us to grow together as Africans that is why my EP is not just in XiTsonga, but incorporates all the other cultures. The bigger vision is to carry out the message of being proudly and authentically African,” she said.
Now looking back at the body of work that she has released, the young star said she was proud.
“I am also proud of all those around me who worked towards this project. We have really come a long way to reach this point and it is such a rewarding place to be in.”