Loyiso Bala reveals bagging first degree in his 30s
Loyiso Bala recently opened up about his career transformation, sharing how he pivoted from music to the corporate world.
At 36, he realized that relying solely on his music career might not sustain him in the long run. Without a degree or corporate experience, he feared fading opportunities and financial instability.
“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. 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,” he wrote on Instagram.
Determined to change his path, he enrolled at Henley Business School Africa through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program, which helped him pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Business. Despite initial struggles, he pushed through, later earning an MBA.
“The problem? No degree. No corporate experience. Just music.
But instead of accepting that fate, I took a leap. I walked into @henleyafrica , hoping to start from scratch. A friend suggested I apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which allowed my experience to count towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Business (PGDip)
“That application was terrifying. Getting accepted was even scarier. I sat in my first class, completely out of my depth, Googling terms like “HR” and “balance sheets” because I was too embarrassed to ask. But I didn’t quit. I graduated. Then I went for what seemed impossible – an MBA.”
While studying, he volunteered at TBN Africa, eventually becoming a Channel Director. He later joined SABC, leading major radio stations.
Now at 45, Bala reflects on his journey, encouraging others to embrace change and take bold steps, no matter their age.
“On the other side of fear is growth,” he shared, emphasizing that it’s never too late to start over and trust in God’s plan.
