Discovered as a pupil and now set to soar, dazzle
There is a new melodic voice about to take local Afropop/soul music by storm.
Her name is Tabia Thembeka Khumalo – known simply as Tabia – from Diepkloof in Soweto, and her majestic delivery is sure to earn her a place among the greats.
Her latest singles, Moratiwa
Waka and Ng'yesabaare are delivered with passion and conviction.
“Tabia is about joy, because she knows sorrow; faith because she almost lost hers; motivation because she wants people to be okay with failing and self love,” said the singer.
“I do music, soul, jazz, urban, to me it’s about the message behind it,” said the singer.
“I’ve never done a 9 to 5 job. I went to school with the money I made from being a backing vocalist and earned a degree in journalism and a certificate in website designing.”
Tabia says she was raised by a single mother, doing piece jobs to help raise her five siblings, by working at different companies.
Her life took a turn for the better in 2008 when she met Nonhlanhla Mahlangu, a singer from her church who took her under her wing.
“She taught me the ins and outs of music until 2009, when she introduced me to the legendary Sipho Mabuse and things started happening.
“I was 16 and in matric when I became his backing vocalist.
“Travelling with him, meeting other people opened doors for me.”
Of her forthcoming album, she shares: “The songs are cutting edge and I’m talking about my real life experiences.
“Sometimes I wonder if I did well to expose my nakedness for the world to see, but I have a story to tell and a life to reform to minister to people.”
The singer also runs the Vulamazulu Academy, which focuses on grooming and mentoring boys.