For years, Loyiso Bala was known as one of South Africa’s most celebrated R&B and gospel artists.
From the late 1990s, he captivated audiences with his voice, first as part of the award-winning Bala Brothers alongside his siblings Zwai and Phelo, and later as a solo artist.
But in an industry where financial stability isn’t always guaranteed, he knew he needed to think ahead.
At 36, Bala had a wake-up call. Despite his success, he realised that relying solely on music wouldn’t be sustainable in the long run. Without a degree or corporate experience, the future looked uncertain.
“At 36, I faced a harsh reality. If I didn’t make a change, I’d soon be in my 40s, struggling to book gigs, watching opportunities fade,” he shared on Instagram.
“I had spent years building a name in the industry, but deep down, I knew relying solely on music might not sustain me in the long run. I wasn’t willing to take that risk.”
His story is one that many South African musicians can relate to. Making a living through music alone is challenging, with fluctuating incomes, unpredictable gigs, and limited opportunities beyond the spotlight.
For many, passion doesn’t always pay the bills, and Bala was determined to find another way.
Determined to secure his future, he took a bold step and enrolled at Henley Business School Africa through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme.
This allowed his years of industry experience to count towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Business. It wasn’t an easy transition.
“The problem? No degree. No corporate experience. Just music. But instead of accepting that fate, I took a leap. A friend suggested I apply for RPL, which allowed my experience to count towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Business,” Bala explained.
His journey was far from smooth. Sitting in his first class, he felt completely out of his depth, Googling business terms like “HR” and “balance sheets” because he was too embarrassed to ask.
But he didn’t give up. He completed his diploma and then took an even bigger step - pursuing an MBA.
While studying, Bala volunteered at TBN Africa, eventually working his way up to become a Channel Director. He later joined SABC, leading major radio stations and proving that career reinvention is possible at any stage of life.
Now at 45, Bala reflects on his transformation with gratitude. “On the other side of fear is growth,” he shared, encouraging others to embrace change, trust in God’s plan, and take bold steps towards new opportunities.
His story is an inspiration to musicians and creatives in Mzansi who may feel stuck or uncertain about their future. While talent can open doors, financial security and career longevity often require stepping beyond comfort zones.
Bala’s journey proves that it’s never too late to start over and that taking risks can lead to unexpected success.