Music teacher is a jack of all trades
The 42-year-old wears many hats including that of an actor and an opera singer.
You have probably seen him in the Knorrox advert portraying the role of Nomandla’s father, a young girl sent by her father to find his missing bull.
Mziyanda ‘Zizi’ Zita of Crystal Park wears many hats, including that of actor, opera singer and is a music teacher at East Rand School of the Arts (ERSA).
The 42-year-old is no stranger to the entertainment industry. He has over the years mastered his crafts with the hope of making his name known worldwide in the television and theatre sphere.
Born in a township called Ezibeleni in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, Zita, a third born, had a normal upbringing.
His love for music was ignited around the mid-90s when falling in love with classical music, especially songs by George Frideric Handel.
His singing talent was recognised while studying towards a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree at the University of Fort Hare around 2002. They dubbed him the ‘best bass soloist’ at the university.
“Music brought a sense of direction in my life. It kept me busy and away from negative influences that could have engulfed my life,” said Zita.
His musical interests kept him grounded and allowed him to travel the world and rub shoulders with musical giants from Denmark, China, Namibia, Botswana and many more.
He was part of the Eastern Cape Opera, an opera company in East London, where he performed in various festivals including the Grahamstown Arts Festival and International Library of African Musical (ILAM) under Professor Stanley Glasser and Andrew Tracey.
He moved to the City of Gold in 2006, where he auditioned to be part of the Black Tie Ensembles in Pretoria. As a member of the group, he would perform at corporate events.
He has performed for former presidents of South Africa, Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma. He has done numerous operas and musical shows.
Zita forms part of 12 seasoned musical teachers at ERSA. He said his dream is to see learners of the school becoming successful professionals and celebrities.
“I believe by giving a child musical knowledge is the best gift ever because that child can shy away from negative influences and focus on music, which will bring sustenance.”
His advice to budding artists is, “Practice makes perfect. A talent on its own can never take you anywhere, but discipline will take you to the world.”
Also Read: ERSA receives much-needed sanitary pad donation
Also Read: Putfontein SAPS initiates conversation among women to end GBV
