AT the tender age of 19, Holly Wasserval is already a Durban-based musical powerhouse.
The Durban teen is an experienced singer and songwriter, live performer, as well as studio session regular with a passion for soulful, deep house and dance music.
Holly's love for music was ignited at a young age, and she started music professionally when she was 12. She was told she should start recording her music, which focused on Afro Pop.
“I was never really in love with this genre of music but I relied on others to guide me when I was younger. When I was 15, I was touring, performing Afro Pop music with my father, when I was exposed to Afro House music like Kwaito. Later that year a DJ did a house mix of one of my songs and after that I experienced the culture of the music, the dance moves, people, music and performing, I knew this is where I wanted to be, I fell in love with the vibe and culture of house music. It was the first time I made my own decision to follow this genre,” she said.
Holly has worked with amazing people during her musical journey, including her idols, Professor, Shota and Zakes Bantwini, who she said have taught her much about the industry. She has collaborated with musicians from Mozambique, Senegal, Congo, and Nigeria, and sings both in English and Zulu.
“I'm just pushing singles now. Next year I will release a single with Shota,” she said.
She will do a number of performances in December and will perform at the Perfectly Packed Wardrobe, the proceeds of which will be going to ECR's Toy Story.
Holly is also involved in a fashion project with Style Collective SA where she is working with designer Carol Clark, Jacky Jet, Hoi Polloi hairdressers and photographer, Christopher Laurenz.
“We are promoting sustainable and local fashion, fashion with a conscience and exposing Durban's stylish fashion, while encouraging local production instead of overseas. This is a collaboration between fashion and music,” she said.
Holly is passionate about youth development and has been awarded an accolade by the City of Durban for her contribution to arts and culture, and as a young artist who is driven to make a difference through music.
She is involved with Khulisa, a social solutions company which partners with Grade 9 girls, and pairs them up with mentors, who are life-long partners.
“There is a lack of mentorship for young girls, and we have been working with the girls in the communities in the Midlands. We will be bringing the project to Durban next year,” she said.
Holly's interests are definitely music and fashion, but she said she is a home body, and enjoys spending time with her family.
“I'm always in clubs, performing and keeping busy, so in my down time I love to be with my family. I am a chilled, laid back person. I enjoy movies and going to the gym to keep healthy,” she said.
Looking to the future, Holly said she is aiming for the top!
“I want to perform more and focus on the Khulisa project as a responsibility to make our communities healthy ones. I aim to promote local fashion and music and be involved in the move towards this,” she said.
Find Holly on social media at Holly Music SA.
