Durban songstress unlocks her dreams with music
Thulile Zama began her music career at the University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) in Durban back in 2003. After she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Music, she soon bagged her Honours Degree in Culture, Communication and Media.
BORN in Camperdown and raised in Durban, Thulile Zama is no stranger to music. She knew very early in life that being vocally gifted was not enough.
She began her music career at the University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) in Durban back in 2003. After she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Music, she soon bagged her Honours Degree in Culture, Communication and Media.
Her incredible music versatility landed her on the renowned Head Over Heels, an all-female contemporary jazz band. The band was nominated in the South African Music Awards in 2011. As a lead vocalist in the band, she attracted international attention. Having won the Yamaha Young Artist award in 2010, Zama’s musical journey was not to be ignored.
She has travelled internationally and graced local stages, all this while she held a full-time job at the UKZN as Concerts Organiser.
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“My life has always been about music. As the Concerts Organiser, I have a privilege of working with and exposing amazing talent that we have at UKZN. The talent is remarkable,” she added.
She regularly secures spaces and networks for musicians and bands, most of whom are UKZN’s current and former students.
Her highlight to date is paying tribute to Miriam ‘Mama Africa’ Makeba and Sophiatown through her quartet since 2017. This is where she got to work with international acts, an opportunity she had never imagined.
She beams with pride as she unpacks her bag of pearls. “I’m also a music promoter and voice-over artist.”
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Together with pianist David Smith, Zama also formed the musical duo, N’den. They are set to release their debut album titled Sisingathiwe. In the last few years, the duet has been composing original music and covering some of their favourite songs, capturing audiences on their YouTube channel and social media pages.
Her dream is to embark on school tours around the province, teaching and unearthing musical talent. “At one point, we were funded by an international organisation, and we were able to tap into the musical talent in schools, through tours and masterclasses. I hope that, one day, this dream can be revived,” she added.
Undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with, Zama is set for the stars. This is an upward path she is proud to stay on, without leaving her peers behind.
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