Life is No Guarantee
By Quibell Ramantswana , 27 Feb 2009It is not surprising to see Tumi as an R’n'B star. His vocal ability was first recognized in the church choir when he was ten. Having shot to fame winning a place on South Africa’s ‘Fame Academy’ it later won him a record deal with J2 records where he recorded his debut album- ‘No Guarantee’.
Known for his diversity in music Tumi has been called the ‘South African Usher’. Contrastingly he has also won the title on the ‘Rap Activity Jam’ on YFM. As if to prove he can touch on any genre his latest music incorporates Opera.
“…every artist is made by a certian artist…”
“I really love Opera. I am more of an R’n'B singer approaching Opera. There is a big difference between Opera and R&B music. I’ve learnt that it is very emotional music. Taking that interpretation of Opera to R’n'B for the first time and making it to the top like that… I’m quite excited!”.
Although R&B is not as prominent in South Africa as America or Britain, Tumi’s album ‘No Guarantee’ has been nominated for both Channel O and Sama Awards and is also doing well in the charts.
Raised in Soweto, Emndeni Tumi grew up listening to the late Brenda Fassie and Michael Jackson. “I created myself to who [I am] right now just like every other artist. Every artist is made by other artists. You listen to certain people and you get inspired by [them] and you make yourself out of that”.
“…I would advice every artist to start from church…”
Most of the successful artists in South Africa have started their music career at church as did Tumi so does he see this as the breakthrough into a music career?
“Definitely…I would advise every artist to [do so]. Learn how to back people, learn how to back singers and learn to be a lead singer. I think you learn but not be aware that you are learning”.
Tumi has already written a beautiful song about South Africa dedicated to the FIFA World Cup 2010….Watch this space!
Tumi’s album will be out in this summer and will be performing in the UK shortly.
Listen to The Mzansi Show on future radio 96.9 FM or on line at www.futureradio.co.uk. If you missed the show then catchup at www.kwaito.co.uk/themzansishow
