NTOMBI Mzolo (neé Ngcobo), of Amaponi fame, is young yet well-travelled. However, when you ask her about her favourite destination, she would not hesitate to mention Jamaica.

The beautiful lass, who is part of Amaponi with her two brothers and a sister, has recently struck out solo and she is doing very well.

"My first impression of Jamaica was one of mixed feelings," she says.

"When you see it in a brochure, it's breathtaking. But when you go there, it's something else. For starters, the airport is five times smaller than our OR Tambo International.

"In spite of those initial shock and shortcomings, Jamaica's wealth lies in its people. They are beautiful and exude positive energy.

"They are loving and always willing to help, you just feel at home. Their music is stunning, inasmuch as their dance moves are thrilling. It reminds you of kwasa and dombolo and you really need to shake it.

"Luckily during the workshops we had, when we showed them our traditional music styles, they were bowled over," Mzolo says, adding that she is in love with the Patou language that is used by people there.

"They just effortlessly string words in one sentence, something that was completely new and fascinating to me.

"It's strange how many people want to know if all Jamaicans are dressed in the traditional Rastafarian colours of red, green, yellow and black.

"That's not true, it's like those stereotypes where people think that Africans keep lions as pets or run around semi-naked.

"I was so excited to visit Bob Marley's grave, which has become a museum. Another thriller was the night life. At the beach there were people who sold fresh fish and it was so delicious. Alongside the fishermen were club shacks. You dance until the wee hours of the morning. The music turns you inside out. I have never enjoyed a club like that," she says.

"I suppose what I will not forget about Jamaica is the warmth of the people and their eagerness to learn about other people's cultures."