The mere mention of the name Thandeka Patricia Dhlana, aka Thandy, evokes mixed feelings among a across section of Zimbabweans interested in the local music industry.
SHARON SIBINDI Own Correspondent
She has proved beyond any reasonable doubt to be one of the few leading female singers in Bulawayo and beyond, exhibiting exceptional music prowess locally as well as distinguishing herself with her unique versatility that has seen her excelling during the early stages of her career.
Thandy (23) is the ethno-soul diva and a role model who has shown other young women that nothing is impossible as long as one is committed to what she is doing and believes in God.
But despite her noteworthy exploits, she has maintained a low profile uncharacteristic of most upcoming and ambitious green-horns in the arts and entertainment industry.
In an interview with the Southern Eye Lifestyle, Thandy said everything she has achieved did not come on a silver plate, but through hard work and dedication to it, adding that she is equally grateful to God who gave her the strength.
“My works make me realise that I could do it bigger and better. I am grateful to the almighty God. He has given me the strength and vision to fulfil my dreams. I appreciate my works and they have put me on a competitive platform and made me believe in myself and realise that nothing is impossible with God,” Thandy said.
Not many people know that she is an off-shoot of Sandra Ndebele’s Izintombi Zomqangala.
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She was reluctant to say why she left Ndebele’s and decided to go solo. But she insists the sky is the limit for her in music.
Born on July 5 1991, she grew up in Gwabalanda in Bulawayo before attending Fusi Primary School in Inyanda where she cut her teeth in theatre and drama.
She is the last born in a family of three.
Her journey into music started in 2003 when she recorded a demo with Joe Maseko from House of Rising Sound.
In 2010, she joined Izintombi Zomqangala led by Sandra Ndebele. Umqangala is a Nguni instrument that women used to play while entertaining their husbands.
She has made a name for herself in Zimbabwe as a versatile performer, having flown the country’s flag high in India, Dubai, China, United Kingdom, Russia, Canada and Japan.
In December last year, she released an EP entitled Ongaziwayo, a fusion of jazz and blues. Some of the tracks include, Hamba Khululeka, Nguthand’ Ekuseni and Makanaka.
Thandy has worked with a lot of artists in the city and outside including Ex mile, Jeys Marabini, Sandra Ndebele, Proenix, Black Umfolosi, Umdumo Wesizwe and has backed the legendary Dorothy Masuka.
She performed during Nama, at Book Café, Sisters Open Mic and her objective is to pursue a successful career in the arts industry.
She loves gardening during spare time, tailoring, watching television and above all she is a good cook. She plays mbira and is single.
Thandy is presently in South Africa working on a couple of music projects.
“I am in South Africa at the studio with DJ Face who is my producer and Tebogo from Maximum Records. I have also worked with Clarence Garura, branch manager of Zimura and Kira Music is my publishing house,” she added.
