Thami Baba: From Financial Management to a Flourishing Arts Career

Thami Baba, originally from Grahamstown (Makhanda), has remarkably transitioned from Financial Management to a flourishing career in the arts. Trained at the Ubom Eastern Cape Drama Company, Thami was a full-time performer and drama facilitator from 2006 to 2013. Her artistic journey includes leading roles in productions such as “Via-Sophia Town” and “Cabaret” with Via-Katlehong Dance Company, touring Europe and Abu Dhabi. In Cape Town, she has contributed to productions like “Pieknik” and “Babbelagtig,” and enriched the Cape Cultural Collective as a performer and MC.

Beyond Busking Programme: A Transformative Experience

This video chronicles Thami’s transformative experience in the Beyond Busking Programme. This immersive program unlocked Thami’s creative potential, allowing her to dive deep into songwriting, vocal training, musical arrangement, and studio production. Thami highlights the invaluable connections made and how the program inspired her to write about important issues the world needs to hear today. Guitar teacher and music production mentor Jonny Blundell praised her exceptional performing and singing skills.

Debut Single “Ngxe” Out on August 2nd, 2024

Thami’s debut single, “Ngxe,” showcases her musical ability and storytelling. It will be released on all digital platforms on the 2nd of August 2024. Produced, mixed, and mastered at Rootspring Studios by Jonny Blundell and recorded at Milestone Studios by Matthew Thiem, the track features Thami on both lead and backing vocals, Shaun Johannes on Bass Guitar, Lilavan Gangan on Drums, Lonwabo Mafani on Piano and Keyboards, Jonny Blundell on Guitars and Percussion, with Ivee Soul and Nosie Mbili providing additional backing vocals to solidify the song as a hit.

Stay Connected

Please stay connected with Thami on Facebook at @nomathamsanqa.baba.5 and Instagram at @tham_i3607 for exclusive updates and her latest releases.

Acknowledgments

The Cape Town Arts Festival extends heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated mentors and collaborators who have been instrumental in Thami’s journey. Special thanks to Clive Ridgeway for his invaluable guidance in songwriting, Abigail Petersen for her vocal coaching expertise, Jonny Blundell for his mentorship in guitar instruction and music production, and Lynne Holmes for her visionary leadership as the Beyond Busking Programme Director.

About the Beyond Busking Project 2023

The Beyond Busking Project 2023 stands as a beacon of innovation and empowerment, brought to life through the collaborative efforts of co-creators and program directors at the Ariva Arts Foundation. Funded by the Presidential Employment Stimulus 4 (PESP), managed by Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) and the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture (DSAC), this initiative embodies the spirit of creativity and inclusivity, paving the way for artists like Thami to thrive.

🎥 by Nur Felix Film Production