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

 

Tino Chinyani On The Modelling Industry And Opportunities It Has Brought His Way

Tinotenda Chinyani / 23 / TV Presenter / Model / Actor

How did you get your break into the industry?

A friend of mine, Donald, suggested that I try out modelling. I then did a photo shoot, then got signed to Boss Models…the rest is history!

Has modelling always been in the cards for you?

I didn’t always want to be a model, instead I always wanted to be an athlete. Basketball was always the sport I wanted to play. My first year at varsity I got signed to a modelling agency and that’s when the journey began.

You’re the main guy in Thabsie’s new music video ‘African Queen’ featuring JR, did you have to audition for the role?

No I didn’t, they called me, having seen me on the Channel O Top 5 show. They contacted me the day before the shoot and invited me to go to Mpumalanga and shoot the music video.

All the titles that you hold, how do you find some balance?

Finding balance requires knowing when to say no because it’s very easy to get burnt out. You have to value your own time and take some time to rest.

What’s your typical day like?

Call time could be anytime between 08:30 or 09:30. You could be on your feet the whole day, you have to be smiling the whole time and getting the work done. I’ve never been a fan of sleeping anyway so as soon as the sun’s up I’m good to go.

Would you say the industry you’re in is tough, and why?

The modelling industry is very blunt. Castings and auditions are very unapologetic when it comes to what they want. At the same time it’s also a beautiful industry when it comes to the places you travel to and the people you meet. It’s also tricky when it comes to getting booked, payment could sometimes take from 30 to 90 days. Clients you deal with are also different compared to agencies. You can get taken advantage of if you’re not careful, you have to be very woke. You may look up to big names in the industry, but when you actually get to work with them, it turns out to be something very different. I am very thankful that I’m still young and doing what I love.

Who or what keeps you grounded?

My friends keep me grounded. I’m very personal with people who I keep in my space. My sister and mother also play a big role in keeping me grounded. I want people to see me years from now and still say that Tino has remained humble even after all the achievements, even if I was to take my career to an international level.

Money or Fame?

Money, definitely not the fame. You need to be financially secure. Go get your money, you didn’t go through all the hard work for nothing.

That one thing you can’t function without?

God.

You dress very well. How do you put an outfit together?

I love comfort, that is always key. I always ask myself “does it look good?” I’m not trying to be acknowledged for how I dress, but I’m also not trying to look terrible either. I always try to stand out within my simplicity.

How do you deal with all the attention?

People want you for who you are right now. The same people who were never even interested in you from way back. I evaluate it in the sense that no one really loves you out here, they only value you for what you do. There will always be distractions in whatever industry you’re in, I just try my best to always keep focused.

2017’s almost done, any exciting plans for next year?

2017’s been a really eye-opening year. I started doing Television for the first time and also further learning about the reality of the modelling industry. I got to meet and work with amazing people, it’s still surreal. Coming into 2018, you’re gonna see a hungrier me, chasing that cheque and a lot of things to come. I like keeping people in suspense so watch this space!

 

Follow Tino!

Instagram: @tino_chinyani263

Twitter: Tino_Chinyani09

Facebook: Tinotenda Chinyani

 

–Bridgette Makhela