In Interview with Toshi

The enchanting vocal tones of vocalist Toshi have been captivating dance floors across the globe with releases with the like of Black Coffee, Armonica and many more.

With a new album just released with House legend Timmy Regisford and a single collaboration with both Timmy and David Morales out now, 6AM checks in with the South African songstress.

Hi Toshi, it’s a pleasure to chat with you today, looking back, how was 2019 for you?

Greetings to you, 2019 was a great year for my career and my family, it was bliss!

How did you first get into singing and songwriting?

I first got into singing by listening to my Grandma sing. From the age of six, I was invited by my Grandma’s friend to a church talent show and from there it dawned on me that I’m a singer. I started writing my own songs throughout my life and also learnt songwriting at University.

And what turned you on to Afro House specifically?

Afro House, called me actually! I was more into African music until I met Black Coffee. He introduced me to House Music as singer-songwriter and performer and we released ‘Buya’ together on Get Physical.

Who or what inspires your songs?

God, my experiences and my imagination inspire me and my songs.

You released your wonderful collaborative album with Timmy Regisford titled ‘Life Music’ on Quantize Recordings at the end of last year. What can you tell us about the release and are you pleased with the results?

I’m quite impressed with how ‘Life Music’ turned out, it was a great honour working with Timmy on this Album. I’m pleased with the results and it’s definitely one of my best works. The songs on ‘Life Music’ are basically about life and its ups and downs, set to a brilliant Afrohouse soundtrack from Timmy.

What’s your favourite track on the album and why?

‘Revolution’ is my favourite track, I love the melodies. It’s a typical African village sound, and every time when I hear it, I feel like there’s no place like home. I also really like ‘Yiza’ and also ‘Imvumi’, that kind of reminds me of where I come from too.

How did you and Timmy Regisford first meet and what inspired the move to make an album together?

Timmy and I actually met through social media. US Producer Mark Francis introduced me to Timmy and vice versa. Not so long Timmy proposed we should do an album together, I was super excited and keen.

You’ve worked with some incredible producers, most famously penning hits with Black Coffee, Armonica, David Morales and more. Which is your own personal favourite release and who else would you most like to work with?

It’s been an honor for me to work with these great legends, my personal favourite is ‘Buya’ with Black Coffee. I’m writing a new song ‘Ndonqena’ with Oskido, a South African legend and also something with Prince KB. Those are tracks that I’m looking forward to hearing in 2021.

How difficult or easy or difficult was it to break into the scene and what pearls of wisdom have you got that you can share with new singer / songwriters who are just starting out?

It was very difficult to get into the industry for me, but my advice to the youth is to persevere and have faith in God, to keep pushing even when there’s nothing to push.

Which other South African vocalists should we be checking out?

Xoli M, I think she’s a great singer and very talented.

Where do you see yourself heading musically in the future?

I see myself making more music in the style of Afro Pop in the future.

Which of your own track holds the most precious memories for you and why?

Paso Doble ft TOSHi ‘Kanti’ and Afro Warriors ft Toshi ‘Uyankenteza’ and all the remixes. These two tracks have precious memories for me because every time I perform them my audience go super crazy.

What else is coming up that you can tell us about?

I have also just released part 1 of a new collaboration with David Morales and Timmy Regisford called ‘NINI’, it carries a strong message to follow wisdom, sung in Xhosa, the language of South Africa’s Nguni. Part 2 is coming out in February, so do look out for it! There’s also a couple of collaborations that I’ve made with some underground artists of a different music genre, so keep your ears on the ground, people are not expecting me to make something different, so I think it will take my fans by surprise.

Finally, what do you most like to do when you’re not making music?

I like to eat, drink and watch TV with my family, it makes me very happy. I also like to go to the gym.

‘Life Music’ Album is out now on Quantize Recordings

’NINI’ Part 1 is out now on DIRIDIM