Thabsie On Her Music, Performing Live And Living Her Dream

Bathabise Vokwana / 26 / Singer, Songwriter & Business Owner

When was your break into the music industry?

I started in the music industry as a backing vocalist in 2013. My big break as a solo artist was the hit SAMA nominated feature with Kwesta, Ngiyazfela Ngawe.

Amongst your others singles, ‘African Queen’ has been a well-received song, did you think it would be this big? 

I never really anticipate how big my songs are going to be, I just write them from the heart and hope that it connects with the listener and African Queen absolutely surpassed my expectations which is pretty cool.

Balancing your schedule must come with a lot of pressure, when do you find time to relax?

I hardly get time for myself these days but I love to use my pockets of spare time to do the things that I love, like going to gym and hanging out with my sisters and close friends. This helps me to recharge my soul.

Do you prefer performing live or spending time in the studio?

I love both but performing live is more fulfilling in the sense that I get to see how the music I make affects people first hand. There’s nothing more heart-warming than having people sing your songs back to you.

What do you believe females in the industry need to focus on?

Empowering other females and working as hard as the males in the industry do.

Any plans to collaborate with other African artists?

I would love to! I’m a huge fan of East and West African music and fellow African artists.

Has your current life always been your dream?

Yes, since I was a little girl, so I’m glad to be living it!

One thing you’d still like to achieve in your career? 

So many more things, I’ve only been in the music industry as a solo artist a little over a year, I feel like it’s only the beginning for me but first off I’d love to win a SAMA award.

Any words of wisdom for aspiring artists that would love to one day be where you are?

 If you feel like your dream is your purpose then pursue it relentlessly. Never make a decision based on desperation and stay humble and hungry.

Follow Thabsie!

Instagram: @thabsie_sa

Twitter: @ThabsieSA

Facebook: Thabsie

 

–Bridgette Makhela

 

K Naomi On Her Dreams, Achievements And The Road To Success

Keitumetse Naomi Noinyane / 25 / TV Personality / MC / Brand Ambassador / Brand Strategist & Consultant

First thing’s first, how was Coachella 2017 girl?!

Coachella was amazing, thank you. Probably one of the best trips I’ve ever gone on. World class setup, music and productions. More than anything, an eye opener to the opportunities the world has to offer.

How amazing is it being selected to join the Maybelline It Girls Global Campaign?

It’s an honour. The opportunity came by surprise, I’m also the only African female in the Global Girls Group. It’s pretty exciting in many ways and an awesome campaign to be a part of.

You’ve recently also teamed up with the Reebok family, how close is the #PrettyLethal campaign to your heart?

Being a Reebok ambassador also came by surprise, it’s awesome being part of an international classic brand that aligns with the type of brand I’m mounding K Naomi to be. Pretty Lethal is an awesome female empowering campaign that made sense to my intentions of inspiring females and it’s also awesome to contribute through a campaign that can actively change lives and more than anything, highlight the importance of females, their unity and their safety. Reebok definitely created a campaign that non have done and it’s an absolute privilege that I carry it too.

Your schedule seems pretty hectic, how do you find balance?

Finding balance is quite hard but I always make sure I make time for myself to reflect and just be. I listen to a lot of music so that’s helped me through my career and just being in my own space.

Your secret to always keeping in shape is?

Gym, eat healthy, gym, mind your own business, gym, work hard.

All your achievements to date, has this always been your dream?

Some of my achievements have been dreams and others I consider ‘extras’. I always set goals, there are so many to still achieve but I’m working on them. So far everything has been a blessing, but my dreams are bigger than where I am currently.

How long has the road to success been for you?

I’m not even successful yet, I haven’t hit that peak or reached that level of confidently saying I’m successful. I’m still wishing my journey, it’s been long but worthwhile.

Only one can be chosen, which one…Fashion, Make-Up or Traveling?

Traveling!

Do you live to inspire or to be inspired?

I live to inspire.

Follow K Naomi!

Instagram: @knaomin

Twitter: KNaomi_N

Facebook: K Naomi N

–Bridgette Makhela