Behind every great song, story, and creative journey is a fascinating story waiting to be uncovered. For Carol-Ann Meltzer (a South African singer-songwriter and storyteller) – the creative force behind Khazimula – life has always been about searching out and celebrating the extraordinary in the everyday.
Whether she’s amassing a staggering collection of over 7,000 cookbooks, finding inspiration on Sunday road trips to Hartbeespoort, or tracking down hidden clues like a true detective, her world is rich with curiosity and connection.
As her latest music project invites listeners to “Let Your Colours Shine,” take a closer look at ten fascinating, unexpected things you may not know about the woman behind the music.
Here are 10 Interesting Facts You Might Not Know About Carol-Ann Meltzer (Khazimula)
1. Carol-Ann Meltzer was once told she’d make a great detective
When Carol-Ann Meltzer finished school, she had no idea what she wanted to study. An aptitude assessment at the Department of Manpower revealed she could pursue almost any career, but one comment stood out: she’d make a very good detective.
Looking back, she believes that prediction was surprisingly accurate. Much of her life has been spent collecting clues, connecting dots and discovering hidden treasures through stories, music and people.
2. Carol-Ann Meltzer owns more than 7,000 cookbooks
Carol-Ann’s sister jokes that she lives vicariously through her cookbook collection. Over many years, she has amassed more than 7,000 cookbooks from around the world. For her, each one tells a story, offers a glimpse into another culture and sparks new creative ideas.
3. Curiosity is one of her greatest strengths
Whether browsing a second-hand bookshop, enjoying an interesting conversation, exploring a shopping centre, or noticing something forgotten by the roadside, Carol-Ann is constantly gathering ideas and inspiration. Many of those everyday discoveries eventually find their way into her songs, stories and creative projects.
4. Coffee shops have always been Carol-Ann Meltzer’s creative sanctuary
Carol-Ann completed much of her university studies in Industrial Psychology, Industrial Sociology and Human Resource Management while working in the coffee shops of Rocky Street in Johannesburg. Decades later, coffee shops remain her favourite places to think, write, dream and create.
5. Her favourite family tradition is a Sunday road trip
For many years, Carol-Ann and her family have enjoyed taking a leisurely Sunday drive to Jasmyn at the Windmill in Hartbeespoort. It has become their weekly mini-holiday and a cherished opportunity to slow down, reconnect and prepare for the week ahead.
6. Carol-Ann Meltzer released her first professionally recorded music later in life
Although she had been writing songs for many years, she only released her first professionally produced recordings in her fifties. Her journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to follow a dream.
7. Khazimula wasn’t planned. It found her
While visiting the SAMRO offices and registering her music, Carol-Ann discovered the word Khazimula, meaning “to shine” or “to radiate light” in isiZulu. That moment became the inspiration for a much bigger creative vision and the project’s enduring invitation: “Let Your Colours Shine.”
8. Carol-Ann Meltzer believes people are life’s greatest treasure
Everything Carol-Ann creates, from songs and books to reflections and children’s stories, is built around one central belief: “We Are the Treasure.” She believes every person has unique value, purpose and colour to contribute to the world.
9. Running fuels her creativity
For Carol-Ann, running is about far more than exercise. It’s a time for thinking, reflecting and creating. Many of her best ideas, personal insights and creative breakthroughs have arrived while out on a run rather than sitting behind a desk.
10. Family is at the heart of everything Carol-Ann Meltzer does
Behind Carol-Ann’s creative journey stands the love and encouragement of her family. She honours the lasting influence of her late dad, Jack, her mum, Denise, her husband, David, her son, Shane, her sister, Gayle, Stan and the Landau family, her beloved Oupa Geoff, and her remarkable Granny Dora, who continues to inspire the family at 102 years young. Their unwavering support has helped shape both her life and the Khazimula journey.
Looking across these ten facts, one theme emerges again: Carol-Ann Meltzer is, in many ways, a collector of treasure. Not treasure in the material sense, but in the people, stories, ideas and moments that shape a meaningful life.
As Carol-Ann explains, “I have spent my life collecting hidden treasures. Sometimes those treasures are stories. Sometimes they’re songs. Sometimes they’re people. Through Khazimula, I realise, and invite others to discover, that the greatest treasure of all has been within us all along.”
Watch this space for updates in the Music Facts category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
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