Tamy, Westridge music graduate
AWESTRIDGE High 2016 A-Level student and sensational upcoming Afropop artist Thamsanqa Moyo (TM) affectionately known as Tamy, has comfortably found a place in the local music industry.
She has performed at some famous shows both locally and across the borders including the Madison Square Garden in NewYork, USA. The teen star caught up with the Sunday Mail Bridge writer Bryan Zhawi in a one on one below.
BZ: In a few words can you tell us, who is Thamsanqa Moyo?
TM: Thamsanqa Moyo is a 19 year old Afropop singer, songwriter and guitarist. I did my Primary and high school at Lusitania and Westridge High respectively. I recently got my A-level results as I was studying literature,Geography and History. I did pretty well but I’m not at liberty to disclose my results. I’m taking a gap year to pursue my career.
BZ: Describe how you began your music career?
TM: I found love in music when I was 7 years old and I managed to be in the senior choir at Lusitania Primary School. Later on I decided to write my own songs and I made my debut international performance at Madison Square Garden in New York, USA at the age of nine years. I released my first album ‘Celebrate yo Lyf’ when I was 13 years old just after finishing my primary school. BZ: Who really inspired you? TM: Well I have always been a music lover and so I tend to have a lot of figures that inspire me. Workmanship wise I respect Beyoncé, she works hard and is determined to be the best from the appearance to the live act and the vocals. Song writing wise, I’m inspired by Sam Mtukudzi and SIA (international), I’m all about depth and expression. Sound wise I’m pretty diverse but I’m into old school music a lot. From The Bhundu Boys to Michael Jackson. It’s all about varied expressions and so I’m inspired by a wide range of artists.
BZ: At the age of 19 you have performed at some top notch platforms such as Miss Tourism Zimbabwe, HIFA and Fill Up HICC were you recently shared the stage with Dr Oliver Mtukudzi and Jah Prayzah. What does it mean to you?
TM: Firstly it’s a humbling experience, such an honour to share a stage with such big names. For me it could only mean growth in my career and most importantly exposure to the masses.BZ: When you decided to take music as a career, what was your parents’ reaction?
TM: They always have been supportive of what I do. They are my biggest support system in all this and are really keen to help. We have grown in this together.
BZ: What inspired your 2016 hit song -Ndibereke?
TM: Tsoka Ndibereke means to run or run away and in the song it talks about how one shouldn’t run away from problems rather face them as they come. Step by step encouraging the next person to brave the weather as it is and this is all derived from a personal experience.I was going through my own problems and in my time of trouble I wrote the track - Ndibereke.
BZ: Locally which artist would you like to collaborate with?
TM: Oh yeah! I would say the Zino Irema hit maker -Takura. He is young and vibrant. He is breaking new grounds in our local music. I believe when young creative people come together something exciting is bound to happen. Creating a youth movement in the industry dominated by senior artists.
BZ: How did you balance school and music shows?
TM: Well most of my free time was dedicated to the music. During school season there would be less of the music and more of school during the holidays we would make music to sustain me when I’m busy during school.
BZ: This is the beginning of a New Year. Most people come up with New Year resolutions. Do you mind sharing yours with us and what you are preparing for your followers?
TM: Well this year resolutions are simply to work harder than last year and collaborate a lot more.
BZ: Any remarks to other teenagers like you who want to take music as a career?TM: Definitely, the sky is the limit and really go for gold without looking back. Work hard in music as you would in any other career, stay grounded and know what you want to do. It’s a tough industry but when you are focused you can achieve more? ◆ Students, YOU CAN SEND YOUR ARTICLES THROUGH E-MAIL, FACEBOOK, WHATSAPP or TEXT Just app Charles Mushinga on 0772936678 or send your articles, pictures, poetry, art . . . to Charles Mushinga at charles. mushinga@zimpapers.co.zw or mushingacharles@gmail.com or follow Charles Mushinga on Facebook or @charlesmushinga on Twitter. You can also post articles to The Sunday Mail Bridge, PO Box 396, Harare