Tumi Musiq’s Big Break: Sony Music Deal, ‘Thixo Bawo,’ and His Amapiano Journey

THE SONY MUSIC SIGNING

For any independent artist, signing with a major label is a dream come true. When asked about his reaction upon landing the Sony Music deal, Tumi Musiq didn’t hold back his excitement.

“I was so shocked! I couldn’t believe it. But at the end of the day, I have been working hard. I deserve it, and I was amazed, as Sony is a huge music institution, and being there is very huge for me,” he shared.

For an artist who has been grinding since 2016, this milestone was long overdue. “It’s been a very long time since 2016. Plus, I wouldn’t decline such an offer. I had to take the opportunity. I have been waiting for a long, and such decisions should not be thought about. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so my experience and the work I’ve put in had to lead to Sony at some point.”

With Sony Music’s backing, Tumi believes his career is about to take off in ways he never imagined. “It will certainly put my name up there because there are certain individuals that measure an artist on how big their name is. It’s going to help with my career and catalogue as well.”

‘THIXO BAWO: THE RECENT SINGLE

Tumi Musiq’s latest single, ‘Thixo Bawo,’ is more than just a song, it’s a prayer. Featuring Mia, George Lesley, and Jay Sax, the track carries a deep spiritual essence.

Talking about how the song came to life, Tumi revealed, “The song comes from Mia; I didn’t write it. We were playing with a few melodies, and she understood them and connected. The main melody of the song inspired the lyrics, so it came from us vibing in the studio.”

Although Mia penned the lyrics, the message of the song resonates with Tumi deeply. “It’s a prayer, about transformation. An inspirational song. It’s Mia thanking God for the gift of being able to change lives through her voice.”

‘THIXO BAWO ‘ is now available – listen here!

The studio session for ‘Thixo Bawo’ was filled with energy and unforgettable moments. “Mia is a very funny individual. She’s bubbly, so it’s very easy to connect with her. George Lesley is family-oriented; he’s more strict, he is a father and husband. As hard as it may be because of time constraints, we get to learn from such people. George doesn’t just smile; you have to crack the heaviest joke,” Tumi laughed.

Mia’s transition into Amapiano was a seamless one. “I did not guide her. Mia is an R&B artist, and R&B and soulful Amapiano are very much interchangeable. So it was very easy for my sound and her sound to align. It wasn’t much of a fuss, we got in the studio, and she started singing.”

A Fusion of Influences and Sounds

Tumi Musiq’s sound is deeply rooted in a blend of genres, from jazz to R&B to Amapiano. When asked about his biggest influences, he credited his grandfather’s love for Hugh Masekela and Oliver Mtukudzi. “I used to listen to a lot of R&B, Afropop, and jazz. Kelvin Momo also influenced my style,” he added.

Never one to box himself in, Tumi is eager to experiment further. When asked what genre he would love to fuse with Amapiano next, he responded, “Afrotech. I think if I blend the two sounds, it will sound so beautiful.”

And if his music were a dish? “It would be sushi because it’s exclusive, it’s not for everyone.”

Lessons, Growth, and What’s Next

Reflecting on his journey, Tumi had one solid piece of advice for his younger self: “Keep pushing. Try by all means not to blend in with other people’s style of music and lifestyle. Do you, and what makes you happy.”

His feature on Russell Zuma’s Love Season project was another major highlight. “I was in the studio with George Lesley, and we tried a few ideas. We were struggling to find the right vocalist, and then he suggested Russell Zuma. And Russell killed it.”

Tumi’s philosophy of never limiting himself has been tested time and again, but one challenge that helped him grow was “trying out different sounds and using elements that no one has used before.”

Rapid-Fire Fun

In a fun rapid-fire segment, Tumi Musiq let loose:

Dream collab team? Kelvin Momo, Sha Sha, and Kabza De Small.

One song to drop at a massive festival? ‘Tender Love’ by Sha Sha, Kabza De Small, and DJ Maphorisa.

Late-night studio session or sunrise beach party DJ set? “Late-night studio session, I don’t like being outside.”

Dream international performance destination? “Ibiza, because I feel like people there listen to music because they love music. They don’t check the biggest names or brands.”

And of course, we couldn’t let him leave without playing ‘Marry, Kill, or Smash.’ His choices? “I’d marry Uncle Waffles, kill DBN Gogo, and smash Thuli P.”

What’s Next for Tumi Musiq?

The future looks bright for Tumi Musiq, and fans can expect more music soon. “I’m dropping an album and a few singles or even an EP in 2025,” he confirmed.

With a Sony deal secured, a fresh hit single out, and an unwavering passion for pushing musical boundaries, Tumi Musiq is solidifying his place as one of Amapiano’s most exciting stars. Watch this space; he’s just getting started!