#MusicExchange: 3 Tons of Fun

The group was formed, 11 years ago, when there was a realisation that it was time for real women to show off their sexiness and incredible voices and show the world that not only slender women can be sultry and seductive.

Sthe Mfuphi, Bulelwa Sakayi and Michelle Thomas are all Cape Town-based but Sthe (also known as Saxy Sthe) has her roots in KwaZulu-Natal – studying jazz at the Natal Technikon before moving to Cape Town in 2002.

Currently, the trio is doing a tribute to Aretha Franklin – which has been touring the Western Cape to sold-out audiences.

I spoke to the band, last week, and this is what they had to say ahead of their next show; Friday, 9 August at Kaleidoscope Café in Main Road Claremont at 7.30pm.

When are you happiest?

When we have a happy bank balance.

What does music  mean to you?

It means life. It means hope. It means Joy. Music has a great magic to connect people from different backgrounds and cultures, it is the first thing I turn to when I need to express how I’m feeling at a particular moment.

What drives you: ego or humility?

Humility ‘cause it keeps my ego from hijacking my success.

Which living person do you admire most and why?

A child ‘cause they see no colour; in their eyes we all the same – there is no prejudice.

What are your most treasured possessions?

Our voices.

Dream gig to do?

Our current tribute show.

What makes you all stand out?

Vocal versatility, stage presence and being comfortable in our own skin.

Pick five words to describe yourselves.

Mothers, caring, honest, hardworking, fun.

Five favourite SA albums of all time?

Brenda Fassie – Memeza
Joyous Celebration 13
Letta Mbulu – Sound Of A Rainbow
Hugh Masekela – Sekunjalo
Nathi – Buyelekhaya

Your greatest achievements?

Standing on stage seeing the happy faces of the audience. Their laughter, bodies moving with the music and joining in song and being able to put food on the table doing what we love.

What do you, as a band, complain about?

People being treated with disrespect.

The band’s fears?

Our fear is that people will lose the ability to have fun and share laughter with one another.

Happiness is?

A lovely plate of food enjoyed in the company of family and friends.

On stage, we tend to…

Flirt with our audience – showing them that we see them and that they matter.

Wishes and dreams?

I wish for a better world with less poverty and I dream of starting a coaching clinic for the talented but deprived children to fulfil their dreams.