TANKISO MAMABOLO
Musician // Writer // Actor
Tankiso Live
SYNOPSIS
With Tankiso Live: The Audacity to Be, she moulds protest
into original music, storytelling, projected imagery and comedy that evokes unwavering
pride and engagement. Drawing inspiration from lush and soulful musical styles such as RnB,
jazz and blues, Tankiso pays homage to musical icons such as Simphiwe Dana, Thandiswa
Mazwai, Caiphus Semenya and Nakhane as she recalls her story through song.
Tankiso writes from the perspective of a black woman. She reclaims this story masterfully
with a deft and independent voice. She chooses to focus on the positive, composing a
beautiful and bold song as an ode to both the woman inside and the women who will be
represented in Tankiso Live: The Audacity to Be.
She deals with a range of topics from childhood experiences, loss, heartbreak, love and
oppression, to hope and healing.
MEDIA & REVIEWS
Her voice is deep and soulful and is guaranteed to send chills down your spine
Varsity News
Writing from the perspective of a black woman, Mamabolo reclaims this story masterfully with a deft and independent voice
Artslink
Her sense of humour is equal parts charm and infectious self confidence
Weekend Special
TANKISO Mamabolo is a name to look out for.
Cape Argus
Listen to an interview between Tankiso Mamabolo and Refilwe Moloto
Cape Talk
Watch an interview with Tankiso on
Afternoon Express
Watch an interview and an performance by Tankiso
Afternoon Express
Watch an interview with Tankiso on
Morning live
ABOUT ME
I am an international multi award winning performer and writer who has been working in theatre as an actor, published playwright as well as in the music industry as a composer, lyricist and singer. With a BA (Hons) in Theatre and Performance from the University Of Cape Town, I have performed in a multitude of successful theatre productions such as 'The Fall' which I co-wrote. I also wrote, directed, produced and performed in critically acclaimed live show, “Tankiso Live” where music, projected imagery and story telling were used to address societal issues. I have also worked as an opening act for well loved South African Musician, Mandisi Dyantyis. My independently produced album 'Freedom Hurts Sometimes', released in 2020 received positive reviews.
