Celebrating Women With South Africa's First Lady Of Kwaito - Tamara Dey

Exclusive Interview With Tamara Dey

"We will only continue to be oppressed as long as we let ourselves be. Education is power and we need to empower ourselves and also educate others" - Tamara Dey

Born in Belgium of an Italian father and South African mother, Tamara Dey first burst onto the music scene in 2000.

Dubbed the First Lady of Kwaito, an icon of township pop, &‘The First Lady of Song’ (Sunday Times), Tamara Dey was discovered by DJ Pepsi who introduced her to Bruce Sebitlo and Oscar Mdlongwa (DJ Oscar of YFM radio) of Brothers of Peace. The result was a collaboration, which produced the chart-topping Thathi ‘Mphahlayakho and launched her career.

Her collaboration with BOP on this track saw her travel the width & breadth of South Africa on the Sony Summer Sounds Tour 2000, with BOP and a group of 60 artists including the likes of Mandla Spikiri’s Trompies and Mafikizolo. The track was nominated for three SA Music Awards in early 2001.

Tamara has managed to cross all cultural, age and language barriers. She has unassumingly been recognized as one of the few SA artists contributing towards bridging the gap between all cultures, ages & races. With 11 official languages in SA, Tamara’s music has been described as the ‘unofficial language’; celebrating the heart & soul of South Africa. 

How are you doing and what’s your favorite item of clothing? 

I'm doing great thanks and my fav item of clothing at the moment is a vintage bright orange faux fur jacket :)

1.     Tell us a little more about who you are and how you found yourself in Music..

I think Music found me. It's always been in my blood as I come from a very musical family and I grew up surrounded by it. There was never any doubt that a career in Music would be my thing and above all else I'm a true fan. If I'm not on stage you'll find me at my happiest in the crowd or on the dance floor getting down with everyone else.

2.     How easy was it to for you to break into the music Industry specifically dance and how has it changed from when you started out as opposed to today? 

As a kid I immersed myself in Music in every way I could. I obsessed about bands, snuck out to raves, wrote bad poetry and free styled over DJ sets with friends when ever I could. This is how I was discovered in the end. I've seen dance scenes come and go, kids come and go and styles fade and then come back into fashion again. Music, fashion and this industry are constantly evolving. I'm obsessed with what's next... Keep moving forward or be left behind.

3.     Often in dance music vocalist don’t get much recognition people often think the producers do all the work. In Flash Republic the other members were males; did it affect the recognition you got as a singer, what are some of the hardships you faced being part of Flash Republic? 

I think the difference with Flash Republic is that right from the beginning we saw ourselves as a Band not  just 2 DJ's and a vocalist. We have always written and produced our material together and each of us have played a big role in the performance side of things. It must be frustrating for some vocalists who work with producers that get all the love and the credit. It's really up to the vocalist to negotiate with the producer and establish themselves as the "lead singer" on a track not just a "session musician" etc. At the end of the day I believe a great vocal has the ability to transcend a track into greatness and into a piece of music that really resonates with the listener on another level.

4.     In your opinion what are some of the major challenges which females in the music industry still face? 

I think men often take on the role of handling the "Business" side of things and a women's place in the "business" side of the music industry is often undermined. As women in the music industry we need to nurture not only our talent and passion for our craft but we need to educate ourselves about the bussiness of Music and begin to be taken more seriously.

5.     How is important is women empowerment not only in music but also in every career?  In your opinion are women still oppressed, if yes what can be done to change this?  

We will only continue to be oppressed as long as we let ourselves be. Education is power and we need to empower ourselves and also educate others. 

6.     You are what we would call an Icon in South Africa’s dance scene, can you share some of the highlights of your journey with us. 

Getting my break into the house and Kwaito market was certainly a highlight. I spent 4 years touring with some of SA's leading Kwaito acts and house DJ's in the urban dance scene and got a serious education in african dance culture along the way. I then started Flash Republic with Ryan and Craig. We've released 3 critically acclaimed dance albums that have had us touring locally and abroad for the past 10 years and have earned us a string of SAMA nominations and other such accolades. We took a 6 month sabbatical when I had to have vocal surgery but we've been back in studio writing and recording and will be releasing a few new singles soon. I launched a new side project with my partner and producer Isaac Klawansky year called Death By Misadventure. We coined the style "Dark dance" and were thrilled when it was nominated for in the category Alternative album of the year at this years SAMA's. I've also been working on a solo album for a while now and the release of it is sure to be the next big defining moment in my music career.

7.     What advice would you give to the “new generation” of singers? 

Ok here are a few things. Know your worth and become familiar with the bussiness side of Music industry. No one can take advantage of you if you know what is going on. Work with people. Learn from them and share ideas, this will really help you grow. Never be to cool to support other artists. Like, share and and push their music if you think its great. We need to live by example and help take fan culture in SA to another level as this will benefit us all so much! Nurture your craft constantly and learn to play an instrument or make your way around logic or any production programme. It'll give you creative independence which could mean great things for you as a song writer. And lastly, find out how to start your own publishing company and own all the rights to your publishing. Aside from someone taking a percentage to administer your works no one should be making any money for nothing off the song's you are writing. Good luck :)

8.     Have you had any fans that have shared stories about how your music has changed their lives? 

I often have people writing to me or stopping me in the street to tell me about a special connection they've had with one of my songs. There is honestly nothing more special to me. That is what it's about at the end of the day. Music connects us and reminds us that we are all human, that we all love and need to be loved and that we are not alone in this world.

9.     What are some major traits women need to live by. 

Be unique, be you and be free. Live your truth and be unapologetic about it. The more connected you are to what your authentically want authentically feel the happier you will be.

Any last messages for all the ladies out there? 

Every day should be woman's day :)

Connect with Tamara Dey:

•  www.wearedbym.com 
•  Facebook 
•  Twitter