Feel the pride: Zolani Mahola to rock the national anthem at Hollywoodbets Durban July

Zolani Mahola, the renowned lead vocalist of the celebrated band Freshlyground, will deliver a rendition of the national anthem at the Hollywoodbets Durban July on Saturday, July 5. 

Taking place at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, this year's event promises to be a dazzling celebration under the "Marvels of Mzansi" theme.

The theme captures the essence of South Africa’s vibrant spirit, showcasing the country's rich culture, creative ingenuity, and a fashion scene that stuns. 

Mahola's performance is set to be one of the highlights of the day, adding a layer of pride and unity to what is not only a prestigious horse racing event but also a full cultural experience.

Born and raised in Gqeberha, Mahola's career trajectory is as inspirational as it is impressive. She studied Theatre and Performance at the University of Cape Town and made her mark early on as an actress in the television drama “Tsha Tsha”. 

Furthermore, her voice has graced the animated feature film “Zambezia”, where she voiced the character Zoë and lent her talents to the soundtrack with the uplifting song "Get Up”. 

As the frontwoman of Freshlyground, Mahola emerged as a household name, thanks to the band’s unique sound that beautifully blended African pop and jazz, captivating listeners around the globe with hits like the beloved “Doo Be Doo”. 

Yet, Mahola's ambitions have transcended her early successes. In recent years, she has carved out a powerful solo career, showcasing her storytelling finesse alongside her remarkable vocal abilities.

The HDJ 2025 will not only feature Mahola's captivating performance but also an array of SA's most celebrated musical talents. The star-studded lineup includes:

• Mafikizolo: The iconic Afro-pop duo will electrify the stage with their timeless hits like "Khona” and “Love Potion”.
• Lira: Known as the "Diva of Soul”, she will deliver a soul-stirring medley of jazz, Afro-soul, and R&B tracks.
• Hot Water: This high-energy band promises to blend traditional South African sounds with rock and folk. 
• GoodLuck: Combining electronic beats with live instrumentation, they will create an infectiously dance-ready atmosphere.
• DJ Dalootz: His passion for music guarantees an unforgettable performance for attendees.
• Lee Cole: With emotionally charged lyrics, Lee Cole will infuse the event with dynamic pop sounds.
• Sunset Sweatshop: This feel-good rock band, known for its reggae and folk influences, will help elevate the event’s energy. 

“This year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July is more than just a race - it’s a full cultural experience," Zandile Dlamini, a spokesperson for Hollywoodbets, stated.

"We’re thrilled to present an entertainment lineup that celebrates the best of South African music, adding another layer of magic to this iconic event.

"At Hollywoodbets, we were passionate about bringing this to the public because we wanted to create unforgettable experiences that fans could be a part of and truly enjoy.”