THEMBI SEETE
A multi-talented singer, dancer and actress, Thembi Seete's big break came when
she joined the multi-Platinum, award-winning Kwaito group Boom Shaka, as one of
the first female Kwaito artists. The group focused on the sexy dance moves that
Thembi practiced as a child, dreaming of becoming the next Brenda Fassie.
Thembi's acting role and musical contribution on Yizo Yizo 2 played a
significant role in launching her solo music career. She sang the popular Sure
Ntombazana for the soundtrack Yizo Yizo 2, a song with a powerful message to
young South African women living in the ghetto.
Thembi's debut solo album, Lollipop, was produced by Gabi Le Roux (producer of
Mandoza's Nkalakhata and Godoba) KB (Zola's creative cohort and producer of
Ghetto Fabulous) and Mandla Spikiri (Pantsula For Life is among his most recent
hits). Hip-hop king Amu, Wanda (ex-Ghetto Luv), Thuli Tillies, and Joyous
Celebration's Maduva all contribute their unique sound to the album. Thembi's
style is gutsy, the track Abafazi features the music from Mandoza's Amadoda
track (off his Godoba album) but where Mandoza sings about life from a male
perspective, Thembi sings from a female perspective. Her vocal style is a
combination of hard-edged Kwaito with powerful vocals that fuse into a sexy
feminine sound.
Thembi is respected as a role model to South African youth and is a media
favourite, having appeared on many magazine covers and in newspapers. Her social
conscience extends beyond her thoughtful lyrics. She founded Suck the Money, an
entrepreneurial initiative that aims at helping youths learn basic business
skills and earn their own money.