Loyiso Bala is a Kariega-born singer and songwriter. He is also a reality star, family man and the business manager for SABC Eastern Cape.
He shared what he loves most about living in Gqeberha and what happens behind closed doors in the Bala household.
Q: Tell us something about yourself that nobody else knows.
A: My first singing job was as a backing vocalist for (Afrikaans singer) Steve Hofmeyr.
Q: Do you have any superstitions, rituals or quirks?
A: I never sleep with shoes next to my bed in case they bring nightmares.
Q: What is your pet peeve?
A: Having to repeat myself when I know you heard me the first time.
Q: Despite your successful music career, you went back to school and graduated with your MBA in 2020. Why is education so important to you?
A: I believe that if you are truly interested in something, you should empower yourself in that area. The quickest way to do that is through education.
Experience is important, but education gives you a strong foundation and a head start before gaining hands-on experience.
I always tell my friends that one semester of studying can save you two years of learning through experience.
Q: Your family has always been in the spotlight. But take us through a normal day in the Bala household behind closed doors.
A: A normal day in the Bala household is full of love, laughter, and a little organised chaos.
Mornings are all about getting the kids ready for school, juggling breakfast, school runs, and last-minute prep.
The day is packed with work and meetings, while my wife, Jen, somehow keeps everyone’s schedules on track while handling her own work.
Evenings are for family, catching up, helping with homework, and sharing a few more laughs. Home is actually where we slow down, reconnect, and recharge.
Q: Do you like to cook? If so, what is your signature dish?
A: If I could cook (which tells you my answer to this question), I’d probably make a mean spaghetti bolognese. Jen makes the best one in the world, and of course, she would be my teacher.
Q: What personality trait best describes you?
A: Dedicated — I commit fully to everything I do, leading with purpose, adding value, and striving for excellence while uplifting others.
Q: You could probably choose to live anywhere in SA, what draws you to Gqeberha?
A: First, it’s work, as my role as business manager at SABC is based here.
Just as important, we moved back here to reconnect with my extended family and spend more time with my mother.
Gqeberha has always been home for me since I was born in Kariega, so this was a special opportunity to connect my family to my roots.
Q: Funniest thing one of your children has ever said to you?
A: It was actually a conversation between the teacher and my daughter. It went like this:
Teacher: “Jody, what do your mom and dad do?”
Jody: “My mom works on her phone, and my dad goes to Joburg.”
Q: What is your favourite restaurant to visit in Gqeberha and why?
A: As a family, we love Grass Roof because it’s close to home, has a great play area for the kids, and serves really good food.
Q: If you had a warning label, what would it say?
A: “I promise that I’ll get back to you.”
Q: What do you hope to accomplish in 2025?
A: I believe 2025 will be the year I finally step into my “green pastures”, whether personally, financially, or professionally. This is the year!
Q: What is your secret to a happy, fruitful marriage?
A: Open and honest communication. Understanding each other’s needs, listening with intent, and always making time to reconnect are essential.
Marriage is a journey of growth, and staying committed to love, respect, and partnership makes all the difference.
I haven’t been perfect in any of these but have grown in them through the years.
Q: Any plans to release new music in the near future?
A: I’m always writing songs, so hopefully, once I find the time, I’ll be in the studio finishing them up.
I’m still performing, thank God, and have also expanded into MCing events. Hopefully, I’ll be stepping into more speaking engagements soon as well.
