#Uzalo actress Gugu Zulu's life seems to be happening in wonderful bursts of good fortune.

It's barely a year since the 23-year-old from Mandeni, northern KwaZulu-Natal, joined Mzansi's most popular telenovela and now she is releasing her debut music single.

Her producer, Xolani Majozi, who is also manager of the legendary Ladysmith Black Mambazo, says Zulu is a multitalented artist.

"Besides her new acting career, she is a professional singer and a great songwriter," says Majozi.

Zulu graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama and Performance Studies from Howard College UKZN in 2013, but she has been singing in choirs since she was knee-high to a grasshopper.

She honed her music skills under the watchful eye of her pianist father.

On Uzalo she plays the character Zwi, who is Mxolisi's girlfriend.

"I feel that my time has come and nothing will stand in my way to the top," she says.

Her debut single will be launched next month. "I chose to drop my single in February since I love singing about love. Most of the songs in my forthcoming album will be a great expression of love and hope," says Zulu.

She believes that this year will be a turning point in her career.

Zulu took part in season one of Clash of the Choirs SA as a member of gospel and R&B singer Khaya Mthethwa's team which won the competition in 2013.

She was also part of the Crown Gospel Awards choir, backing stars, including Sfiso Ncwane, Andile Majola and Dumi Mkokstad.

Zulu has also shared the stage with Zahara, Winnie Khumalo and Beatenburg as part of the Team Khaya choir.

She worked with PJ Powers and Ladysmith Black Mambazo in 2015 on the Ladysmith Black Mambazo Night of the Legends concert held in Durban.

"I am currently putting final touches on my yet to be titled debut Afro-Jazz album," she says.

It seems like her time spent singing in the Stanger High School choir is finally paying off and there's no looking back.

"Nothing is impossible in life as long as you focus and work hard to achieve your goals," says Zulu.

She grew up listening to gospel, jazz and maskandi music.

Her favourite artists are Whitney Houston, Lira and Busi Mhlongo and, like them, she wants to conquer the world.

She has two siblings, Phume who is studying at the University of Westville, and Samke who is still in high school.

She is currently single but not looking as she still wants to focus on her career.

-Sunday world