Ponahalo Mojapelo, also known as Pona Colada’s idiosyncrasies lie in her beaming confidence and flair during moments when her star shines bright such as representing Thebe Magugu in Paris and blazing the decks at Rocking The Daisies Festival.
Hailing from the city of gold, Johannesburg, the DJ and model has made significant strides in her respective career fields, with being a Feather Awards nominee being one of her most remarkable achievements. A fashion icon, Ponahalo is also popularly known for her eccentric style and sporting her signature edgy mullet.
Being a DJ, Pona Colada is well versed with who’s hot in the music scene, as well as the latest club bangers. We had a chat with the DJ about her music preferences, song of the summer, and road trip playlist.
What is your go-to music genre for a road trip playlist?
Road trips call for sing-along bangers, music that makes you want to dance, turn the windows all the way down, and have a good time. That ranges from pop music to Afrobeats to Mzansi house classics, circa 2002 – 2012. I particularly think it’s important to play upbeat music on a road trip because we need our drivers awake and focused on the road.
Ponahalo’s Road Trip Playlist
Kelela – All the Way Down
Tems – Crazy Tings
Burna Boy – On Form
The Internet – Roll (Burbank Funk)
Beyoncè featuring Grace Jones & Tems – MOVE
Robin M – Ayee (Extended)
L’vovo Derrango – Bayang’sukela
DJ Cuebur – Pepe
DJ Ganyani feat. Nomcebo – Emazulwini
Dlala Thukzin featuring Sykes, and Zaba – iPlan
In your view, what makes a song good? Its lyrics, the beat, a combination of both, or something else?
It’s the production for sure. The beat progression, the choice of instruments, the arrangement, and of course – the beat drop. I believe a song should be great before lyrics are even added to it.
Which music artists are dominating your playlist currently?
Currently, Tyla, Dlala Thukzin, and SZA are on heavy rotation.
There were many great music releases this year. What is your song for the summer?
iPlan by Dlala Thukzin, Sykes, and Zaba is THAT song for me.
