Since bursting onto the music scene in 2018, singer-songwriter Boohle has been on a steady rise, captivating audiences with her unique sound and heartfelt lyrics. Hailing from Vosloorus, she has earned awards like the Basadi in Music Award, collaborated with various artists, and released nationwide anthems such as Ngixolele and Wamuhle.
Adding to her impressive achievements is her latest venture into reality TV with MTV’s Inside Life—City Girls Are Up. This marks a first for Boohle, who admits she never imagined herself on a reality show since music has always been her main focus. “The entire experience was an adventure, especially getting to work with my industry colleagues,” she explains.
Boohle | Supplied
“I actually said no to the offer at first because I’m quite a private person. But in hindsight, I thought it would be cool to let people in a little—to see where I grew up, how I grew up, and learn the little details about me they might not have known otherwise,” she adds.
This year, Boohle is also exploring new musical territory, working on songs that span genres from Afro to Amapiano to Techno House. Her evolving sound promises to offer a diverse musical experience, and her music has become the soundtrack to many South Africans’ lives, revealing what makes her tick, smile, and stay inspired.
Being a mother
Boohle’s son | Supplied
My son is part of my favourite people. It is the experience of seeing yourself through another person. I get to learn more about myself through him. He is really fun to be around, not forgetting the fact that I love kids, I love taking care of them and having to do so with my own is really an amazing experience.
Dogs
I actually have 3 dogs in total. I am an animal lover, and I love all kinds of animals. I love lions, snakes, etc, just that I can’t have them here (for now), but if I could, I’d have every kind. So dogs were a safer bet for now; I might have a cat soon and, in a year, a bird, a fish – this is not the end. Growing up, I couldn’t own pets because my parents were not too fond of pets but now I can in my own space.
Career/performing
Boohle | Supplied
I love performing; I love being on stage. I love singing and that’s something I do everywhere, anytime. When I am at home, I make such a loud noise, so being able to make noise for other people on stage while making them dance is such an honour. It’s my favourite thing ever; doing something I love and making a career out of it.
BraidsBoohle | Supplied
I’ve always been a braid girl; I always loved playing around with my hair and changing it around. I’ve never been into wigs; they started off with annoying me—falling off and having to combo them. I preferred braids. And making it fit with my brand was easy—keeping it African, easy to relate to, and affordable so any child or person is able to relate to me.
Phone
Boohle | Supplied
I love my phone because it represents so many things to me. I get the news from it because I don’t watch TV, I keep connected to my loved ones, whether on the road – I get to catch up on my favourite TV sow/series. I also get to escape awkward situations by just burying my head in my phone; it’s my lifesaver (LOL).
Sneakers
I grew up in church and the foremost requirement was wearing heels. As young as I was. I never had sneakers but so many heels. So now that I am able to but stuff for myself, I chose comfort. Sneakers are so comfortable and fashionable; I can run in them, and I can dance in them (not that I can dance LOL). I am into comfort, and sneakers are my ultimate go-to.
Cooking
This is more about loving home-cooked meals. As someone who is always on the road, we hardly consume home-cooked meals, so when I am home, I make sure to spoil myself with it. I just started cooking recently, and I realised that I actually enjoy it. The entire experience and the food make me feel connected to home, my mother; it gives me warmth, it gives me comfort, and it’s also healthier than all the takeouts.
The beach
I love water. I am Pisces, so I naturally gravitate toward water. Water and specifically the beach make me feel calm. I feel like my spirit connects; I am able to shut down and connect, just hearing the sounds of the water and the waves. I feel cleansed when I get into the water—all those things together revive me. I also feel so gorgeous and bright after a dip. Ngiba ipentshisi (I become a peach).
Frappuccinos
My favourite is the caramel frappuccino from Starbucks; I could have as much of it as I can. I am a coffee lover, but coffee gives me so many heart palpitations, so frappuccinos became the perfect alternative. It’s super tasty for me, it gives me the same satisfaction that people who drink alcohol or cocktails have—I find my satisfaction in frappuccino. It gives me that kick.
Traveling
I love experiencing the many different places and seeing how other people live. Travel broadens your horizons, and you dream bigger. You get to see beyond what you have, beyond the people you speak the same language with. You get to experience how other people work, think, do things, the food they eat. You also get to see the beauty of God when traveling and that is the most liberating thing ever.
