Meet Thokozile Makamba the soulful voice behind Euphonik’s hit new track Apologies Words: Bianca Agenbag
CSA: How did you meet Euphonik?
Thoko: We actually met through the song. He had a version without vocals and we put together a collaboration for the version we have now.
How did Apologies come about?
I know Luke M so we were messing around with some music and basically the song came up through a breakup I was going through.
Who is the perfect audience for the track?
I think pretty much everyone who enjoys a good vibe of music, anyone who has been through a breakup, it’s quite a relatable track. Or anyone who just loves to get down to a good jam!
How would you describe the sound?
If I had to box it I would say it is sort of a loungy house track.
Tell us a bit more about Luke M?
He is an up and coming producer. One of his songs, J’adore, has been played on national radio and tv – so that is one of his hits already. He also DJ’s around the country and just makes really good music.
What did you listen to growing up?
I would say that my influences came from R&B, as my older cousins were always listening to R&B. Being in school choir and musical theater build a bit of a repertoire. Also now singing in a band creating my own type of music has had a very positive impact on my journey.
Tell us more about your band
My band is called Clique Claq and our music is a fusion of indie rock and an African/ ethnic sound with some rhythm. The music is hard to box.
What are you currently listening to?
Right now I am into a lot of different musicians – I don’t like to limit myself. I like to rediscover music that I may previously not have listened to, rediscovering older styles. That is the type of music I usually go for. Pretty much anything that is catchy to the ear.
Who has been your biggest influences, musically?
Oh, this is such a tough one! I think Thandiswa Mazwai – she was able to cultivate her own sound coming from a group. I am at the stage now that I in a group having to hold my own in a male dominant group as well. The growth that she has managed to show over the past couple of years and also her staying power in the industry is inspiring.
What inspires you?
I find my inspiration from life, whatever is happening in my life or the life of someone close to me. I find that I draw on that. The more it affects me the more likely I am to write about it. Sometimes you’ll be listening to the beat of a producer and the words just start pouring out of you. So what is happening in my life definitely has the biggest influence on my music.
So we know you can sing. Any other hidden talents?
(Laughs) Well, I used to do drama before music took over. I was actually a drama student and I am also a radio presenter at a station called PE FM where I am a news reader and I host a show.
Any obsessions?
Haha, besides music…? I am really into fashion but my own kind of fashion. I like to put things together, I love being thrifty and creative. I am also really obsessed with my natural hair, I have a thing about my afro so if you go on my Instagram you might see a lot of hair post. Those are probably my biggest obsessions.
What is your current state of mind?
I am feeling focussed, I want to challenge myself as much as I can and I am feeling very excited. Things that I have wanted are actually happening I a way I never thought they would.
What can’t you live without?
My mom, I would definitely say prayer and music – in that order.
Shout out!
– See more at: https://csa.global/the-wire/who-thoko#sthash.QHwEculq.dpuf
