Rustenburg singer Tumi Thusi rises to fame

Rustenburg singer, Tumi Thusi, is climbing the ladder of success with an upcoming performance at Winnie’s Soul and Jazz Restaurant and after her interview with Morning Live, it is ShowMe Rustenburg’s turn to interview this talented performer from our midst.

Talented and from Rustenburg, tell us about your connection with Rustenburg.

I was born in Rustenburg in a township called Paardekraal and spent most of my life there.  I loved listening and impersonating just about any other artist I heard on radio. I went to Retief Primary school in Marikana, that’s where my Mother was teaching, and then Rampa Primary school in Tlhabane.  Here I met a very dedicated music teacher called Mr. Phuti. He believed I had talent and worked with it in the school choir. I then went to Saint Dominics Private School in town, where I’d also perform at all school events. I never had any interest in sports and all I wanted to do was art, I liked drawing.

Parental support is so important to all children, did your parents played a part in nurturing your talent?

My Parents have always been supportive.  My mother and I were the only ones who could actually keep a note at home but there was always that hymn being sung in the house especially in family gatherings. My mother always encouraged me to go for my dreams.

So you realised from a young age that you enjoyed singing, but how did you get involved in the Music Industry?

When Coca Cola Pop Stars was auditioning, I saw an opportunity and went for it.  I then met up with producers there and it led to an album which then scored me my 1st interview with Channel O ‘Oboma’ a music show.  I did my studies at the University of Johannesburg and at the same time I was pursuing music.

At the late Vuyo Mokoena’s memorial service I got spotted by Umoja Africa the Show.  I then became part of the show. At the same time I was doing backings for a lot of prominent artists as well just to learn the ropes and the music industry.

It led to album features in artist’s albums like ‘Zulu Boy’ and Motsweding fm’s Dj Mos and an amazing engineer and Producer Dj Lucky with the song Bayete, which was premiered on Morning Live channel 404, and an international remix by York.

I have also done international performances.

The Music Industry is an exciting but very competitive place, what is your feeling regarding the Industry?

I feel that there’s a lot that still need to change in the industry regarding airing of new music especially because the fact that payola still plays a big role in failing up and coming Artists who desperately need a break in the industry. Music should be aired because of the quality not because musicians can afford to bribe anyone.

What are you busy with at the moment and what are your plans for the future?

I’m currently under preparations for a show at the Winnie’s Soul and Jazz Restaurant and will be getting into studio soon. Building my brand and focusing on bringing something concrete to the South African industry.

I have worked with the youth previously therefore in future I want to be part of what brings change and growth in their lives and be able to inspire not only by words but by actions.

Being busy is great, but do you relax and slow down your pace sometimes?

In leisure time I watch theatre shows to get inspired.  I’m not a fan of extreme sports but would love to do bungee jumping one day as I think people who do such sports are the most courageous and are not afraid to take risks.

What are your views on South Africa?

I think South Africa is a beautiful and diverse country which would achieve a lot working together, looking past our differences and going forward as a nation. Forgiving, recognizing the damage already done and finding a way to take our country forward.

Apart from being a talented and great performer and aspiring to do a bungee jump one day, what else is there that people don’t know about you?

What South Africa doesn’t know about me is that time every time an ambulance passes with sirens on I do a silent prayer for the people on the inside.

What an inspiring, talented lady!

For information about the Tumi Thusi Soulful Evening at Winnie’s Soul & Jazz Restaurant in Wendywood on 15 September 2016, contact 011 656 3059 or 082 573 5602 or email: bookings@winnies.co.za

Also watch Tumi’s interview with Morning Live: