DREAM VOICE

THIS Saturday, 23-yearold Thuto Rantao sang her way into the hearts of the nation to clinch the 2021 My African Dream (M.A.D) crown.

Having hypnotised the judges and public alike with her pitch-perfect voice and on-stage energy (her stunning good looks didn’t hurt either!), Thuto’s dream is just beginning as she sets her sights on a career in music.

The daughter of Woman of Jazz, Kearoma Rantao - indeed her superstar mother was her backup vocalist at the grand finale in Gaborone - Thuto has greatness in her blood.

While her rise to stardom was seemingly inevitable, it was certainly spectacular!

Fresh from her stunning victory, the petite singer visited The Voice’s headquarters this week where she sat down with SHARON MATHALA to reminisce about the last few M.A.D days.

Before we get into it, I noticed you did not show any emotion when you were announced as the winner - why was that?

To be honest, I did not know what was going on! I guess I could not believe it when my name was called. I looked at the videos the following morning and I understand why this question cropped up. But nonetheless, I am very grateful for the win and the support.

...makes sense. So, for those who don’t know you, how would you introduce yourself?

Well, now I would start my introductions as a M.A.D winner! But besides that, I am a 23-year-old girl from Ramotswa, raised by my grandmother. I dropped out of school at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT) because the course wasn’t doing it for me. I am a waitress at an upmarket restaurant called Main Deck and I am a singer.

You dropped out of school?

Yes, I was studying Fashion Design and it was not what I wanted to do. I actually want to study Real Estate.

Real Estate and music, two extremely time-consuming, demanding professions don’t you think?

Yes, but if I were to choose right now, at this very moment, I would go for music. That is where my heart is at the moment.