Tumi made her music debut as a member of the trio Gang of Instrumentals, and soon after got the opportunity to showcase her acting skills. She has now breached out and is dealing with the music business on her own. She tells us about it…
Your single Sugar Free introduces a new element and sound that people have never heard you on, what made you decide on featuring Nadia on the track?
In the spirit of doing something out of the box, I tried to rap on the song but it didn’t work out. My music team and I then decided to feature a professional rap artist. Nadia was the best suggestion, and she agreed to be part of the song.
The song tackles the issue of sugar daddies in a polite manner. Was the aim to address the issue or just to release a feel-good song?
As an artist, it is important that I speak out on issues that affect us. I did want to address the issue and speak about the sugar daddy dilemma in the song. However, it is a feel-good track and people can still jam to it while they take in the message behind it.
Speaking of sugar daddies, what’s your take?
I had to empower myself and now want to empower other young women. I want to inspire them to think independently and work hard for the cars, clothes and money they want – this is so that they wouldn’t count on men (or sugar daddies) to be wealthy or successful.
I was once a young girl in tertiary and understand the pressures of fitting in; this is why I’m encouraging young women to free themselves from sugar daddies. When a young woman decides to take that route, there’s a lot at stake – teen pregnancy, single parenting, abortion gone wrong, STDs and HIV/Aids.
On the note of independence, you seem to be doing pretty well on your own, were you nervous to go solo?
I had always wanted to have a solo music career. I was itching to start, and couldn’t wait to work on my album. It feels good to do it; I am happy about my decision.
Will you and the boys get back together soon perhaps?
There is no telling. The guys and I still have a great working relationship. Mandla has been part of my music production team and although I am focused on my solo journey right now, we have been working on new songs.
Sugar Free has been getting a lot of airplay and great reviews, has this put pressure on you to do a follow up single?
I’m grateful for the positive feedback; it is inspiring to know that there are people who love the song, which gives me the drive I need to do an even better single in future.
*Get more news on Tumi Masemola; follow her on Twitter @TumiMasemola
