Sitting down with Sultry Queen: Thando
On the first weekend of this month I had the privilege of [virtually] sitting down and conversing with rising star, Thando. She spoke effortlessly with utmost grace, whilst peppering responses with casual laughter- truly embodying her ultimate easygoing vibe.
For an artist who has amassed a great following in such a short period, not an ounce of pride was present in our conversation- she truly has awe-inspiring humility and speaks with great modesty. Qualities that shall truly sustain her growth throughout her time in this industry, and continue to profoundly inspire all those blessed by the rhythmic ecstasy of her sound.
Who is Thando? I’m a 20 year old singer-songwriter raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. I’m currently studying Accounting & Finance (I know, very different!) in London Southbank University.
How is balancing studying alongside the career you’re pursuing?
I started making music at the beginning of my 1st year, and at that time, I wasn’t as well-known as I am now, which made it much easier to juggle.
Now I’m in 2nd year and it is definitely proving to be more difficult with the increasing workload of my degree, and having this growing career as well… I think I have been able to manage it well though- I have Uni 3 days in a week and so I’m able to dedicate the other days to music.
How would you describe your musical journey in 3 words?
Learning, Growing & Passion: I’ve always known that I wanted to be a singer and I have always been a singer. But it’s only when I started to make my own music that I understood just how deeply I truly loved music and how devoted I was to this art form.
Thando who begun this odyssey just over a year ago, and the one you’re speaking to right now, are so different. I have matured through this process: learned about the industry whilst also learning so much about myself- the music I enjoy creating, the kind of music I want to make- it’s all been so fun!
More than that though, this has truly been ‘the first time in my life I have been so passionate about something.’ So definitely a lot of learning and growing done, yet still so much left to do.
How has it been navigating your growth on the backdrop of the vast audience you have been able to accumulate?
There have been moments of self-policing; like I’m not sure if I should say this or that, how I present myself- predominantly based on the increasing number of people who are interacting with my music, and me by extension.
I also struggled with comparing myself with other artists- especially after I released 'Weak'.
I’m glad it’s not been an instantaneous rise to fame, so there is so much space for growth without an uncontrollable amount of attention. The journey has had its challenges, but it’s been interesting all round because its a brand new experience for me- I am extremely grateful.
How was the process of making your Debut EP: ‘A Force To Be Reckoned With?’
It was so cool, because when I released 'Weak,' I had no thoughts of making an EP! I’m not really a long-term planner (which is something I’ve realised I have to start doing if I am going to succeed in this industry) so I never thought about doing it!
Everyone was saying: 'dude, you should totally go for making a full-length project’ and I thought about it and saw it as something still far in the future; something I can work towards.
I decided to get in touch with a couple of producers and started working my way up from there. I don’t think if I’ve said this, but single vs EP, in terms of creation, are two unmistakably different enterprises.
'Cause a single is only consumed once and that’s really it- with a full-length project every single song will most likely be scrutinised. There’s so much pressure that’s attached to that idea of this representing so much of you and for me as a completely new independent artist, will it get the reception I’m hoping for?
I was asking myself all of these questions and really wondering whether it was the right time; now I know it was.
The whole undertaking was so much fun and beyond enjoyable. I also learnt how much I enjoy just the thrill of releasing music: like “midnight hits and the song’s out!” Such moments are ones I genuinely look forward to: it’s exhilarating.
‘This project explores self-discovery, unrequited love and understanding through its lyrics and melodies.’ - This was the description you gave of your EP, let’s talk about that weighted description.
As I said, there has been a lot of learning and growing; I definitely found myself and the direction I’d like to be heading in, in regard to my music, career and my life in general.
With the title track and the EP’s title as well, it’s me unapologetically standing in the truth that “I am a force to be reckoned with and it’s something I need people to know.” I’m not going to wait for people to say: “Oh Thando’s a force to be reckoned with” because it's a fact that I've already stated.
In terms of unrequited love, within my teenage years, I’ve never been in a totally balanced relationship. I’ve always felt like I’m giving more and not receiving in equal amounts- something I know resonates deeply with this age group from teenage to early 20’s: you give 100% and possibly get 60 back. As my song quite literally states, ‘I do want to be the first in line, all the time.’ If someone is incapable of providing that, it’s cool we just keep it moving.
‘New artist of the Month & 100 Best songs of 2020 both awarded to you by Apple Music! How was that?
I’m really glad that I didn’t set high expectations for myself and this project. I just told myself, ‘I’m going to release this EP and whatever happens, happens’ knowing full well I did my utmost best and can’t control what happens beyond that.
Someone I was working closely with had connections with an Apple Music playlist curator, and was able to play ‘AFTBRW’ for her and she loved it.
I remember I was in a shopping centre, buying books or something and I get a call from my industry friend and he asks me ‘Have you seen your e-mail?’ I obviously hadn’t because I was shopping, and then he said ‘Apple Music has chosen you to be the Spotlight New Artist for the month of December.’
Obviously I’m in public so I couldn’t have a massive reaction so I really tried my hardest to downplay my outrageous excitement- you don’t know how badly I just wanted to scream there and then!!!
The fact that one of my songs is even part of the top 100 songs doesn’t even make SENSE in my brain- it’s too crazy to even comprehend.
How’s the support back home been?
The reception in my city and in South Africa at large, has been amazing. I don’t think I would’ve garnered the success, if not for that home support to begin with. As with support from my community of friends and family, it definitely pushes me to keep striving for more; to soar to greater heights.
A self-titled album- what’s the vibe?
The vibe is: let’s get personal. I would have to draw from a wealth of really authentic experiences. ‘AFTBRW’ mainly glosses over any specific experience but paints a generic picture of what it means to be a youthful lover. I mean there were lines and verses that were taken directly from particular encounters, but they didn’t form the foundation of the EP.
I think, ‘the more personal experiences you add to your music, the more genuine it sounds- the more you [the artist] fall in love with it.’
In a ‘Thando’ album, you’ll see a little bit of my crazy, over dramatic and kookie side- all sides to me will take centre stage!
What can the GMV readers anticipate from you?
I’m currently working on an upcoming project but it’s still in its infant stages- planning and working out how I would like it to sound and be received.
I definitely want to branch out from my debut EP, explore new genres and sonics, ultimately deliver something totally different- force myself outside my comfort zone.
Is this something we can expect to see this year?
Hopefully! As I’ve already mentioned, I love the feeling of releasing music so I am working towards releasing singles this year, I plan to feature on some in addition to arranging visuals for 'A Force to Be Reckoned With.'
What would a playlist entitled ‘AFTBRW' include?
Empowerment songs- ‘Boss’ by 5th Harmony is a No.1 power jam for me. Songs that speak of the force that we all are- definitely gotta have some Beyoncé, as well as some Mariah- gotta have some heartbreak pop in there. The category is empowerment.
In Closing?
To everyone reading this: this is your sign to chase your dreams! There’s no dream too big; the first song I ever made was on Garage Band, on my phone under a blanket. Possibly the worst quality ever. But it was out there- and a producer reached out to me and that’s now my main producer. You really never know what could happen just chase your dreams!
*Interview has been edited for clarity.
Interviewer: Wanjiku Mucai
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