Shumbas Hockey Player wants to share his music with the world
Shumbas Hockey Club player, Tumi Ramphele has aspirations of sharing his love for music far and wide.
While hockey is a passion for one local player- music also has a special place in his life.
Tumi Ramphele (22) was one of the players in the Shumbas Hockey Club who stood out in the team’s match against Beaulieu Hockey Academy recently. While he enjoys the sport introduced to him at the age of five, he recently realised his passion for music.
Ramphele said that creating his music started in 2020 just before the country went into lockdown. He had moved in with a friend while he was still studying.
“We had nothing to do. My friend was making music and that’s where I picked it up. We started recording, making music on the laptop and putting a few songs on Soundcloud just to see what the response would be,” he said.
“Almost instantaneously, we reached almost 400 views which I’m happy about. Since then, I’ve grown as an artist.”
Ramphele may have started his music journey close to three years ago, but there is musical history in his family he holds true to his heart. His father, Lucky March, was part of the local kwaito group Skeem. They released a number of classic songs including hit track Waar Was Jy?
“I feel that music has been in my blood. I feel its frequency everywhere and I’m on this earth to bring good energy into a room. I just want to bring it into everything I do. Music is more a part of my life than a hobby,” he said.
In his music, Ramphele talks about real-life experiences he has faced. These include his upbringing, living in Alexandra, working two jobs, playing hockey and balancing everything in his life.
“My family is in Kagiso and I left the township to get a job and help support my family. We’re a family of five. I also am an assistant isiZulu and English teacher at a school in Braamfontein, but I can’t teach yet since I’m on a year-long probation,” he said.
Ramphele was introduced to hockey at a young age by a woman named ‘Mrs van der Merwe’. He was also named in the South African U21 side from 2019 to 2021.
“I landed at Shumbas after the Covid situation after not being able to find a job in Krugersdorp and play hockey. I moved to Alexandra and tried to join the club. Shumbas has done a lot for me and they cover my fees so that I’m able to play,” he said.
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