Durban has always been a hub for vibrant music and creativity, and emerging artist Tehillah Faith Vengetramadu is proving that storytelling through song can heal and connect. Hailing from Chatsworth, the singer describes her upbringing with her single mother and older sister as both challenging and formative.
“I am a proud girl from Chatsworth, but I do not live there anymore,” she says, reflecting on how her early experiences shaped her artistry. Music became her refuge, a safe space to process emotions and navigate life’s hurdles.
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Art Meets Advocacy: Mental Health at the Core
Mental health isn’t just a side topic for Vengetramadu, it’s central to her life and music. She has long championed awareness and support for mental wellness, a cause she describes as deeply personal rather than a casual interest.
In 2023, her passion was tested when she lost her voice for three months, a crisis that threatened her career. “Music is part of my identity, and I felt so lost without it,” she recalls. Despite the setback, she remained committed to her craft, using the experience as fuel for creativity.
A Sound That Lifts, Inspires, and Connects
Tehillah Faith’s music is rooted in gospel, but she draws from R&B, pop, and local South African rhythms. She writes from personal experience, believing that authenticity resonates with listeners.
“I get inspired by my experiences and sometimes people, but I like writing from a point of experience. I feel like the audience understands it so much better,” she explains. Her creative process thrives in the studio, where she experiments with layers and textures, contrasting with the raw energy of live performance.
Support and Collaboration: The Heart of Durban’s Music Scene
Vengetramadu credits her growth to the supportive community around her. From performing with The Nu Savoys, a live music collective in Durban, to encouragement from her friend Darrien Luke, she’s built a foundation that blends mentorship with collaboration.
“He actually got me into making original music. I consider him family,” she says.
Her 2023 EP launch marked a milestone, as fans who had followed her journey from her early YouTube days showed up in full support. “It made my heart warm,” she recalls, underscoring the importance of community in her career.
Balancing Ambition with Perspective
While she does not envision a lifelong career as a performing artist, Vengetramadu hopes to continue contributing behind the scenes. Her influences, from Ariana Grande and Whitney Houston to South African talents like Sketchy Bongo and Yashna International—continue to shape her sound and message.
“Yashna is really repping for our brown girls in the music scene,” she notes, highlighting the significance of representation in South Africa’s music industry.
Her ultimate goal is emotional connection: “I want people to feel something they have never felt when they hear me. I want them to feel a sense of belonging.”
Life Beyond the Stage
Outside of music, Vengetramadu is building a multifaceted career. She works as a digital marketer and is training to become a teacher, balancing creative expression with professional growth.
Her story reminds us that artistry and advocacy can coexist, creating a platform where music is not just entertainment but a lifeline—for both the artist and the listener.
Need support? For immediate mental health assistance in South Africa, contact the SADAG Mental Health Line at 011 234 4837.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: Facebook
