R& B sensation on way
Thando Sikwala got her break on The Voice, writes Bernice Kelly
FANS of The Voice can count their lucky stars as last season’s R & B sensation Thando Sikwala arrives in Townsville.
After making a name for herself on the hit TV show, Thando is embarking on her first tour Acoustic Love Letters and will be performing at The Venue on Friday, October 16.
Originally from Zimbabwe, the powerful singer discovered her love for R & B in the suburbs of Melbourne and at 21 decided to take the plunge and audition for The Voice.
Looking back on her journey, Thando said she still couldn’t believe how far she’s come since her first audition.
“I’d been doing local gigs for three years … I just wanted an opportunity to explore a different part of the music industry.
“I thought going on The Voice would be a great platform to launch from,” Thando said.
“I now have so many amazing opportunities I wouldn’t have had.”
First chosen to be on Team Kylie, she was later saved by Ricky Martin who Thando describes as one of the kindest souls she’s met.
“I spent more time with him on the show than anyone else.”
“He has such a positive attitude … he’s not blunt but he definitely sits there and lets you know what you need to work on.
“He’s just really positive and he’s quite constructed as well.
“I guess I’m kind of biased if I say I preferred Ricky.”
Thando left the competition in the sing- off round, narrowly missing the chance to appear in the live final.
Since then she has been hard at work recording music while also scoring herself a lead role in the Australian production of Dreamgirls.
“It was amazing, I never thought that the show would be coming to Australia.
“The story is easy for me to relate to … ( it) talked about the people of colour or different cultural backgrounds and what they face trying to get into the industry.
“Musical theatre is something I’ve always wanted to do, I’d just never pursued it professionally,” she said.
Her tour will be an acoustic show as Thando says she believes it’s the best way for audiences to get to know the real her.
“It gives people a really good perspective of the music I write,” she said.
Other than a sneaky glass of scotch if she needs it, Thando doesn’t abide by any pre- performance rituals except making the most of her time on stage.
“I try not to think so much about what I want to do before I perform,” she said.
“I spend a lot of time mingling and talking to people and just making sure I meet their expectations.”