Thando Zide

The Soweto born and bred singer and producer is an independent artist whose journey begins from long before birth, all the way through to performing on Joburg Theatre stages back in high school; being a part of her school's choir and orchestra; being part of an A Capella group; and through to finally planning her first ever solo live music event in Soweto, where she will be presenting her newest project 'Umvulo'--this young vessel has always been surrounded by sonic sounds and their healing power.

Zide has been blessed to have encountered and worked with the likes of the incredibly gifted Tshepo Tsotetsi; Linda Sikhakhane; Ndabo Zulu; Ayanda Jiya; as well as the wonderful James Bassingthwaighte.

At the age of 19, Zide was a finalist at the Emirates Pursuit of Jazz competition in 2019, where her journey in the music industry and business started to take shape, this was a moment where her individuality sprouted and began taking shape, as an artist whose calling was one led by God and her ancestors, one which the preservation of 'Africanness' is the driving force behind the art.

Zide is inspired by the rich indigenous sounds of South African music, and very much enjoys the incorporation of these with a delicate mix of futuristic sounds. She is inspired by the works of Nduduzo Makhathini, Mbuso Khoza, Ndabo Zulu and Sunelmusician.

The National School of the Arts Alumni, believes very much in arts and culture exploration and education. To her, the arts are a calling whose power lies within every artistically gifted individual to play the important role in society of uniting people, aid self-expression, and cultural preservation.

She believes art to be a divine messenger, a divine friend, a divine story teller. To her, the arts provide a portal to the the past, the future, and dimensions outside of time.

So far, the artist has released 2 singles 'Ngizok'naka' and 'Zungalikhohlwa', and is awaiting the launch of her debut Ep project Umvulo.