malvernmugadzikwa
Sunday Mail Reporter
TAMY MOYO is undeniably one of the best, if not the best, female singers in the country.
With her powerful range and flawless voice control, the beautiful singer is a vocal genius and energetic performer, who often leaves audiences spellbound.
Since entering the music industry at a young age, Tamy has managed to navigate the challenges of unwanted attention, especially from male sex pests.
“I have had instances,” she says in an interview with The Sunday Mail Entertainment, “where I have encountered a few inappropriate advances, but my team works to ensure my safety.”
Since dropping her breakout hit song “Ndibereke” eight years ago, the versatile singer’s career has grown in leaps and bounds.
She has also largely remained consistent, building on her success with several other chart-topping songs, including “Zviroto”, “Rudo”, “Kwandiri” and “Chiedza”.
Last week, the singer dropped a new single, “Zvakadaro”, which she hopes will make waves on the market. The track comes barely two weeks after Killer T released his latest single, “Kana Ndanyura”, which instantly gained popularity. The two singers are certainly from different worlds, and it would be unfair to compare them. However, some music aficionados wonder why Tamy’s songs, despite being good, do not easily become anthems.
“We have to work twice as hard as our male counterparts,” Tamy said.
“But I believe the key is offering nothing but your best always and never really paying attention to the comparisons between us and our male colleagues.
“My new single ‘Zvakadaro’ is a song about not paying mind to naysayers and living your life the way you see fit. The video was directed by renowned director Kmane . . .”
Below are excerpts of the interview between the singer and The Sunday Mail Entertainment
***********************
Q: When exactly did you start doing professional music and when was your major breakthrough?
A: I started my musical journey at the age of seven.
I started with singing the national anthem at platforms such as HIFA, NAMA, (and) Winter Jazz Festival. I also had the privilege to work and tour with some established artistes like Dr Oliver Mtukudzi (late), Bob Nyabinde (late), Prudence Katomeni, Dudu Manhenga and Chiwoniso Maraire (late).
I went on to tour the United States at the age of 10. I then later released my first project when I was 14 years old, which was then followed by my debut album at the age of 18. I believe this is when people started taking notice of my work. I am thankful for all the strides I have made, and I still look forward to my big break.
Q: Was music always your first love and do you think you have achieved your goal(s) thus far?
A: Music has always been my first love, without question. I am involved in other things, but music comes first. I have achieved my goals. I have a list of things I had set out to do and some I have managed to do. What I have not achieved is just work in progress and I am working towards it.
Q: How are you handling the pressures of being a top artiste in a male-dominated industry?
A: I have a team that is an incredible support system and works tirelessly. Thus, we navigate pressure. It can be undeniably tough at times, but it is always a must to bring our 100 percent to the table. That is what makes it easier for us and for me; we always do our best and everything follows suit.
The trick is on being deliberate about creating your own table and platform as not only a female, but also an artiste in your own right. Your work will always speak for you ultimately.
Q: In that regard, are local and foreign music promoters engaging you on equal basis and are you satisfied with your bookings?
A: Local and foreign promoters do engage us regularly. I am very open to engaging a lot more, having more bookings and being on more platforms. I also understand that I do not necessarily have to be on every line-up, and I’m grateful for the ones I have been on. It is also up to those I work with to create more opportunities for not just me but the upcoming generation of musicians, which is something we are already doing.
Q: What is your take on people who consider female artistes to be of loose morals?
A: It is unfortunate. But I have understood that people will always have their opinions and will make up their minds about one’s success, sometimes without full knowledge of their process or journey. It is an unfair take, but the only way to deal with it is to let your hard work speak for you.
Q: As a diva, how have you handled sex predators, be they promoters, fans and so on?
A: We have put in place structures that ensure that my management is always handling all matters regarding the brand and any engagements.
This way, my mandate is just to show up and work. Also, the shield of my parents over the years has worked well.
Q: What have been your major achievements as a musician?
A: I have worked with some incredible artistes and shared some great platforms with many of them. Some of my highlights are headlining with Ayra Starr for the Sunshine Cup last year, headlining with Burna Boy, Mi Casa, RnB legend Joe Thomas, Dr Oliver Mtukudzi, Joss Stone, Mafikizolo, Sho Madjozi for the BET Festival in South Africa, Ami Faku, Cassper Nyovest, Davido in Harare, Jah Prayzah, Chiwoniso Maraire, Lioness from Namibia . . . the list is endless.
Another honourable mention was headlining Coke Studio together with Winky D.
My biggest achievements have been winning best female (accolade) at the NAMA in 2020, being nominated at Afrimma’s editions of the last four years and scoring an incredible endorsement deal with the most prestigious car dealership, Zimoco Zimbabwe.
Q: Do you plan on getting married anytime soon?
A: Marriage is not in the pipeline at the moment. I’m heavily invested in my craft until it is God’s time.
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter