Latest news with #Thando
IOL News
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Thapelo Esau's debut EP 'Ms Esau': a promising start to her musical journey
Thapelo Esau discovered her passion for music within the sacred walls of her church at the tender age of eight. Image: Supplied For Thapelo Esau, music transcends mere hobbies - it's the essence of who she is. Born and raised in Vosloorus, a vibrant township nestled in the East Rand of Johannesburg, Esau discovered her passion for music within the sacred walls of her church at the tender age of eight. It was there, surrounded by soulful harmonies and spiritual melodies, that she unearthed a gift that would become a driving force in her life. Her sound resonates with the emotional depth of gospel, the soulful richness of R&B, and the rhythmic pulse of house music - genres that were an integral part of her upbringing. This unique blend allows her music to offer both a sense of familiarity and an exciting freshness that appeals to a broad audience. Describing herself as a true 'singer-singer', Esau delivers powerhouse vocals imbued with emotional intensity. She is dedicated to remaining authentic to her voice and message, crafting songs that echo her heart, spirit, and purpose. Over the years, Thapelo Esau has achieved several milestones, making her mark in the music industry by winning school talent shows and notably gracing the "Idols South Africa" stage. Image: Supplied Over the years, she has achieved several milestones, making her mark in the music industry by winning school talent shows and notably gracing the Idols South Africa stage. After first auditioning in 2016, she returned for a second try in 2017, earning a coveted spot in the Top 10 and winning the hearts of many with her extraordinary talent and resilient spirit. In 2024, she reached another career milestone by signing her first record deal with David Gresham Music. The subsequent release of her debut single, 'Vuma', felt like a powerful moment of realisation, a testament to her dedication and hard work. On Friday, she unveiled her eagerly awaited debut EP titled 'Ms Esau'. This collection is a deeply personal body of work, infused with themes of love, encouragement, and uplifting energy. Each track invites listeners to explore Esau as not just an artist but as a woman fearlessly stepping into her power. The stories woven through the EP highlight her truth, vulnerability, and joyful self-expression, paving the way for her forthcoming debut album set to launch later this year. One highlight of the EP is the stirring song 'Nhliziyo', an anthem for weary souls that wraps listeners in a warm embrace of hope and resilience, a touching reminder that after every storm, healing and light await. Another joyous offering is 'Vuma', featuring Loki, which celebrates the beauty of commitment and the triumph of love over adversity. It's a reassuring reminder that no matter the challenges life presents, love conquers all. The EP also features the tender track 'Thando', which opens with a soothing trumpet, painting a picture of a heartfelt pursuit for that special someone. The lyrics echo a longing and commitment, exuding an undeniable warmth. Meanwhile, the final track, 'Ngiyakfhuna', featuring Kings of Kontent, further celebrates love by appreciating a unique connection, asserting that true affection sees no boundaries. Listeners will undoubtedly find this EP to be a celebration of love in its various forms, making it one worth enjoying. Thapelo Esau discovered her passion for music within the sacred walls of her church at the tender age of eight. Image: Supplied In an interview with 'Independent Media Lifestyle', she shared her inspirations and aspirations. 'I'm just a girl from Bozi, East Rand, where the talent resides! My love for music started right at home,' she reminisced, recalling how Sundays were filled with romantic tunes from Metro FM, igniting her passion. With a mother and grandmother renowned for their singing, it was only natural for her to follow suit. Esau continued to explore her artistry, stating, 'I'm a big R&B lover. If I could describe myself musically, I'd say I'm an R&B artist. However, I've decided to play around with different sounds and genres, which has been a lot of fun.' Grateful for her artistic journey, she has collaborated with talented producers and musicians to shape her EP's vibrant soundscape, including John Lundun, Ziggy, Raven Cable, Oriah Reloaded, and Zephbeats, along with features from Loki and Kings of Kontent. 'I've enjoyed working on it,' she admitted, highlighting the teamwork behind her sound's evolution. The choice to title her first body of work 'Ms Esau' carries personal significance. 'I've always been told I have a pretty cool surname,' she said. 'We thought, why not call it Esau and make it a bit more feminine?' Above all, Esau hopes her music resonates on a healing level, noting, 'Honestly, the biggest thing for me is for my music to heal. It just makes you feel heard, seen, good. That's all I want.' She aspires to reach broader audiences and solidify herself as an influential musician, perhaps even setting her sights on global recognition. 'That's the goal!' Lutho Pasiya picks on other new love songs to listen to: "Russian Roulette" by Lady Zamar: This intimate track examines the complexities of a friendship on the verge of romance, capturing the emotional risks involved in love through the clever metaphor of a game. It features an engaging rhythm while exploring themes of uncertainty and longing. "Mnakwethu" by Lwah Ndlunkulu: produced by Xowla, this poignant ode delves into modern relationship complexities. With soulful vocal delivery, the song illuminates the emotional turbulence of suspected infidelity, making it a relatable experience for many listeners.
The Herald
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald
‘So much has happened': Savita Mbuli reflects on 12 years without Vuyo
It has been 12 years since renowned radio and TV presenter Vuyo Mbuli died — but the wound is fresh in his widow's memory. Vuyo died on May 19 2013 at the age of 46 after collapsing in the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein while watching a rugby match. His wife Savita shared a picture of herself with her partner, reflecting on life without him. "Twelve years since the passing of my dearest Thando. And the voice of the doctor who confirmed, 'We tried our best but we couldn't save him,' is remembered so vividly," she said. "So much has happened since, but what remains is that you are the best we've ever had. AI [artificial intelligence] says this is how you would have looked like, while we remember your youthfulness on the first broadcast of Morning Live . Continue to rest in heavenly peace, Myenam. We all miss you."
TimesLIVE
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Afro pop singer Naima Kay to celebrate her special day during Soul Sunday Experience
Multi-award-winning Afro pop singer Naima Kay will be celebrating her birthday during the Soul Sunday Experience. The 33-year-old singer, real name Lungile Khumalo, who is known for her smash hit singles such as Lelilanga, Thando, and Umoya will be celebrating her birthday on May 25, at One Restaurant and Lounge in Glenwood, Durban. Naima told TshisaLIVE it will be special to spend her birthday with people she loves and who appreciate her and her music. 'I'm so grateful I'm turning a year older and still alive and healthy. Reflecting back to 2013, when I first got the attraction from the masses proved that I'll be a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. There's no better way to celebrate my birthday with my fans who've been with me since day one,' she said. The Port Shepstone-born singer says there are a lot of things she's proud of but being on big stages like the Durban, Cape Town and Macufe jazz festivals make her feel especially proud. 'Every one of my songs is about me or my life. Sometimes I write about life, reality. I always make it touch deep down into people's souls and always have a strong message that will heal them. Nowadays people go through a lot emotionally, physically and also intellectually whereby you corner yourself in a position, asking yourself what did I do wrong, what can I do to fix it and not disappoint my fans?' she added.
TimesLIVE
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
From Minnie Dlamini's break-up to 'Isencane Lengane' drama — top stories of the week
Pressure is mounting on Moja Love to can its show Isencane Lengane . A recent episode sparked outrage among viewers, with many raising concern about the starring couple's toxicity. According to Moja Love, Isencane Lengane is designed to contribute to the discourse on GBV and societal ills, with the aim of raising awareness and promoting positive change. Moja Love said it is committed to providing psychological support to affected members, including Thando, who was affected by the events depicted in the show, and would continue to offer support.
TimesLIVE
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Moja Love responds to controversy surrounding ‘Isencane Lengane'
Moja Love has issued a statement in response to social media backlash regarding a recent episode of the reality show Isencane Lengane. The show, now in its seventh season, follows the lives of a young couple, Siyacela Dlamuka and Thando Msomi, who married when they were teenagers. A recent episode sparked outrage among viewers, with many raising concerns about the couple's toxicity. According to Moja Love, Isencane Lengane is designed to contribute to the discourse on GBV and societal ills, with the aim of raising awareness and promoting positive change. Moja Love said they are committed to providing psychological support to affected members, including Thando, who was affected by the events depicted in the show and would continue to offer support. 'It is important to note that the show is a reality show which reflects, explores and raises awareness and contributes to the discourse on gender-based violence (GBV) and societal ills. The channel has through many of its social justice programmes played a pivotal role in shaping discourse and contributing positively in society,' read the statement. 'GBV is an endemic in this country and thus it is important to have a conversation including solutions to combat and confront such an endemic, not only behind the scenes but also in social settings, as it is currently transpiring on social media. 'While the episode aired on Sunday, April 20, is upsetting to the some viewers, which the channel takes note of and does not take lightly, it does not incite and/or promote GBV. The channel has and continues to offer psychological support to Thando, affected members and has done so in the past and will continue to do so.'
