He is currently in Durban for a show called “A Christmas Celebration” with Khanyo Maphumulo and Dr Tumi from 21-24 December at the Playhouse. I caught up with him en route to Durban.
I’m very fortunate to do what I love for a living, but nothing makes me happier than quiet time chilling at home.
Music is my life. I live and breathe music every moment of the day. It’s my therapy, especially if I’m ever feeling down and need some lifting up. And it’s a form of emotional release. I can’t imagine life without it.
I was performing with Richard Cock and the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra in the Namib dunes in Namibia earlier this year for an event when the electricity suddenly went off in the middle of me singing "New York, New York". Luckily, everyone continued performing the song “unplugged” much to the audiences delight. Of course the horn players really saved the day!
Nelson Mandela, a true example of selflessness, self-sacrifice, forgiveness and forward-thinking.
It’s a cliché I know, but one of the people I admire most is Oprah Winfrey. Her life story is inspiring, especially because she is self-made and an example of what is possible with hard work and sacrifice, against all the odds.
Good physical and mental health.
Champagne, of course!
"A Song For You" by Donny Hathaway - a timeless classic.
I am a sports fan and my dream was always to perform at the opening ceremony of the greatest show on Earth, the FIFA World Cup. My dream came true when I got to perform at the opening of the 2010 World Cup at Soccer City in South Africa. It’s going to be a difficult one to beat!
I think what makes me stand out is my musical versatility. Over the years this has been one of the most important facets of my career.
Most of my close friends call me Timmy.
Perhaps an airline pilot. When I went to study in the USA in the 90s I was initially going to study mechanical engineering with the hope of becoming a pilot one day. But destiny had a very different plan for me, which I’m now very grateful for.
Loyal, professional, committed, creative, calm.
Jabu Khanyile: "Umkhaya Lo"
Whitney Houston: "On My Own"
Donny Hathaway: "A Song For You"
Brenda Fassie: "Weekend Special"
Luther Vandross: "So Amazing"
As someone who really enjoys watching films, it’s very difficult to choose just one. But if I had to, my favourite movie would be The Godfather. Every time I watch the trilogy it feels like I’m watching it for the first time.
"The Greatest Love Of All" by Whitney Houston.
My partner Brian and my family.
Cool.
Denim jeans.
Shade! Throwing shade, acting kinda shady, 50 shades of shade. Love that word!
To watch the 2018 Wimbledon Final live.
Making a living out of making music.
Power failures.
Crime.
Happiness is loving and being loved in return, and not having to worry about tomorrow or where the next meal will come from.
On stage I tend to not want the moment to end, especially when I have a really good connection with the audience.
The James Ingram song "One More Time" from the Sarafina! soundtrack. It’s so uplifting and rousing.
The best lesson I’ve learnt in life is that when things don’t go as planned, sometimes it’s because there’s an even better outcome destined for us. But we can only know in hindsight.
Right now I feel like I’m exactly where I need to be.
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