For singer and songwriter Thando Zide, music has become more than a creative outlet. It has also provided a space for healing, self-expression and making sense of emotions.
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Following the sold-out KuNgawe Full Album Experience, which brought together music, fashion, design and storytelling, Thando reflected on the personal journey behind the project, her cultural identity and what the album means to her.
In an exclusive interview with BONA, Thando opened up about her quiet personality, her love of laughter, her Xhosa and Tswana heritage and her hopes of taking KuNgawe to audiences across the country.
Finding joy in a quiet life
While Thando describes herself as someone who enjoys a quiet life, she says she also has a deeply joyful side.
“I find so many things hilarious, and laughter heals me in such a deep way.”
For Thando, these seemingly contrasting sides of her personality — the quiet and the joyful — both form part of who she is.
KuNgawe became a space for healing
The deeply personal nature of KuNgawe is reflected in the emotions and experiences that made it into the project. When BONA asked which parts of her personal journey made it into the album, Thando’s answer was simple:
“All of them,” she says.
She explains that creating the project helped her to process thoughts and feelings that she needed to release.
“I found a little healing in having a way to ventilate thoughts and feelings that needed me to do so,” she said, adding, “KuNgawe became a space for me to express those things and allow them to exist outside of myself.”
‘It felt like a dream’
The journey took on an even more meaningful dimension when hundreds of people showed up for the KuNgawe Full Album Experience.
The event attracted more than 500 attendees and brought the album to life through an immersive combination of music, fashion, design and storytelling.
Speaking to BONA about the experience, Thando says looking out at the crowd felt almost surreal.
“It sounds cliché, but it felt like a dream, like I wasn’t really there.”
The experience was particularly meaningful because the music began as thoughts and feelings that existed within her before becoming something listeners connected with.
“I couldn’t believe that feelings and thoughts that turned into music had then become something that people hold dear to their hearts,” she says.
“That’s such a special moment to find oneself in.”
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Celebrating her Xhosa and Tswana heritage
Thando’s identity has also played an important role in her artistry.
Having grown up between her Xhosa and Tswana heritage, she says her upbringing exposed her to a much broader cultural landscape.
“I’d like to think that I’m made up of a myriad of cultures,” she tells BONA.
Born and raised in Soweto, Thando says she was surrounded by different cultures from an early age. Rather than limiting her creativity, this exposure has given her the freedom to explore different artistic possibilities.
“I feel that created a flexibility within me when it comes to how far I allow myself to go creatively,” she explains. “That’s really fun because I can create and recreate as far as that vast scope allows.”
Embracing vulnerability through music
Although Thando acknowledges that vulnerability can be uncomfortable, she says it does not prevent her from exploring it through her music.
She has also identified a shared quality between her Xhosa and Tswana heritage.
“A similarity I’ve come to recognise between my Xhosa and Tswana heritage is the freedom in expression,” she says.
“Both cultures are very overt and vocal in expressing emotions.”
That openness has found its way into her own creative process.
“So I may say countless times that I’m uncomfortable with vulnerability, but that doesn’t mean I won’t tap into it or express myself.”
Taking KuNgawe on the road
With the album experience having successfully brought her vision to life, Thando is already looking towards the next chapter.
Speaking to BONA, the artist says she hopes to take KuNgawe beyond its first immersive experience and give audiences in other parts of the country an opportunity to experience the project live.
For Thando, touring is the natural next step.
“I want to take KuNgawe beyond this one experience and allow more people to encounter the album live.”
As she prepares to expand the project, KuNgawe continues to represent the many sides of Thando — from vulnerability and healing to culture, creativity and joy.
Featured image: Supplied
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