“MY FABULOUS FAIRY GODFATHERS!”
Soul sister Thandi teamed up with Sigma for the monster club anthem, Say It. And did we mention she likes colouring in pictures of men’s cocks?
Thandi Phoenix reveals.
DNA: Say It is a terrific house banger. Have you been dancing to it in your kitchen? Thandi: The kitchen, the bedroom, the bathroom – no room is safe!
Where did you grow up in Australia?
I’m a Sydney girl, born in Paddington, and grew up in the Inner West. Sydney is still home.
Had any celebrity encounters we need to know about?
Encounters [laughs]…I’d say more an assault! The first concert I went to was Destiny’s Child. The limo pulled up outside and the fangirl in me took over. Next minute I was at the front of the pack with my hands through the window touching Beyonce – zero chill.
You toured with Tinashe and Tinie Tempah among others. How was that?
A whole lotta fun. I love touring, performing for new audiences and meeting new people.
Who are your musical heroes?
Nina Simone, Amy Winehouse, the Spice Girls. When can we expect a solo album from you? I’m not sure, but this year I’ll put out my debut EP, which is six tracks and is quite upbeat and uplifting. It’ll have you dancing, but there’s also an emotional ballad to get you in your feels. Who would you most like to work with? Calvin Harris would be cool.
Have you ever met that other famous Thandi – Thandi Newton?
No, but when I do I can thank her because growing up people would say, “Oh, Tandy, like the electronics store?” [Pulls a sassy face and coughing]. And I’d say, “Thandi like the famous actress!” My name is actually Thandiwe, which is Zulu for loved one, but everyone’s called me Thandi since I was little.
Is Phoenix a stage name?
I can’t take the cred for that. It’s my real name. Do you view Ariana Grande and Dua Lipa as your competition?
I’ll need to do a few world tours and win some Grammies before they see me as a threat! Honestly, I don’t see other artists as competition. We’re all doing our own thing and have room to shine in our own light.
Do people always tell you that your voice sounds like you have an old soul?
I’ve had people tell me I’m an old soul. When it comes to my voice I’ve been told it’s beyond my years, so yeah, same same.
Do you have many gay friends in your circle? I’ve been surrounded by fabulous fairygodfathers since I was a bub. And my best friend Fraser is gay and my late uncle Paul. Have you performed at any gay events yet? Other than putting my name down for karaoke at The Colombian [gay venue in Sydney], I’ve never had the pleasure but would absolutely love to. Keep your eyes peeled! I’ll be coming in hot.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I have this new-found love of colouring books and highly recommend the one that got me going – Big Cocks! It’s a work of art, let me tell you! Apart from that I love going to beach and getting stuck into a new TV series.
At the beach – speedos, boardshorts or nude for guys?
Look, I assume if you’re reading this, you’re a ten and can absolutely own wearing speedos at the beach.
What’s your message to the gay boys of this world?
Learn who you are. Love who you are and own it, baby!
Give us your Top 5 House anthems.
Finally by CeCe Peniston.
Gypsy Woman by Crystal Waters.
Show Me Love by Robin S.
Don’t Call Me Baby by Madison Avenue.
Lola’s Theme by Shapeshifters.
I’ve been surrounded by fabulous fairy godfathers since I was a bub!