What is your name?
Tabi Gazele
What is your genre of music?
AfroPop
Give us a little bio about you.
Tabi Gazele represents a new strain of ‘Irresistible Afro Pop’, comprising of pumping synth-bass and silky, electric guitar. The roots of Tabi’s musical core are a kind of weird hybrid of South African Pop / 90’S chart funk with 2017 Production.
What made you go in to music?
I was born into a musical family. I sang and jammed at home, church, school – everywhere. The joy of listening, sharing and playing music inspired me to get into it.
Are you a signed?
Yes – Through an indie imprint – Zupo that is distributed by Ferocious Label Services.
You released ‘ Touch Somebody’, tell us more about it.
Whilst in the studio experimenting I was told by a few people that my voice reminded them of the late Brenda Fassie. She was the South African Queen of Pop who after researching, clearly had an incredible life story. I love 80s/90’s funk, feel-good music. As I was listening through Brenda’s catalogue, I came across ‘Touch Somebody’; the track was playing on repeat. I could hear it being sung and enjoyed by many people today so I chose to cover it. I think the style is timeless, it’s classic.
What was the recording process like?
It was a lot of fun. I worked on this project with my brother Timomatic who is a great artist himself. Because there were no boundaries or expectations we just went with what we felt and we’d know when the vibe was right. Nothing like brutal honesty coming from your own family while recording in the studio.
Do you have any gigs or tours coming up?
No dates booked in yet but getting out on the road is in the pipeline.
Do you play any instruments?
I can play a bit of keys, it helps with getting my song demo ideas down.
Who are your influences?
Whitney Houston, Mary J Blige and Yvonne Chaka Chaka and obviously Brenda’s finest moments
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
A lot of my inspiration to write songs comes from conversations with people whether it’s the stories I’m sharing with them about me or something they’ve experienced. I’ll hear one line and I’ll have to stop mid conversation and write it down and I’ll know what to write from that.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Headlining my own world tour would be amazing – but for now it’s one foot in front of the other. Step by step. Loving the journey.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I work for an online financial software company called Bottomline Technologies in Order Administration. I’m part of an incredible team who have supported my music career from the moment they found out I could sing and write songs.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
‘Golden’ by Jill Scott. The tone of her voice and the groove of the song got me. I had always loved singing but it was at that moment when I decided I wanted to do it, and take it more seriously.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Knowledge is power
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Get to know who you really are and what you’re about. You’ll be able to find your tribe that way and there’s no need to compare yourself to anyone.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Be you – everybody else is taken
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
I live in Reading and my favourite thing to do is going for a long walk/run alongside the River Thames. It’s peaceful, fresh and great for relaxation.
Your straight off tour;
1/ where do you go? Home
2/ who do you see? My Hubby
3/what do you eat? Slowcooked Lamb
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Towel, water, perfume, comfy heels, lip gloss.
If you had to give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Don’t waste any of your time trying to fit in because it’s ok to be different and to stand out.
You work with Liberty PR,how did that come about?
I started working with them through Ferocious Label Services who I’ve released my record under. They’ve done great work with other Ferocious Talent artists so it was a great recommend.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
You can follow me here:
Soundcloud
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
