BATHABISE Biyela better known as ‘Thabsie’ described her partnership with Dubai Tourism as a step in the right direction especially after her three year break from music due to Covid-19.
The star entered the music industry as an R&B vocalist and is popularly known for hit singles, African Queen, and Ngiyaz’fela Ngawe.
In the latter, she featured in the song belonging to multi-award-winning rapper Kwesta.
The song was one of her gateways into the spotlight.
‘Thabsie’ has also been a backup vocalist for a number of artists such as Cassper Nyovest, Donald, Black Motion, Khuli Chana, and Proverb.
“Covid-19 was my saving grace to take a break. For most of 2020 South Africa was in lockdown. This meant no gigs, so I thought to myself how else can I, still be creative while being home? Content creation was a very nice departure for me, and it worked for most of the times. During lockdown, I couldn’t perform as much, making music was a bit harder, festivals were closed, so the music had to take a back seat, “said ‘Thabsie’.
With just over a million followers on Instagram, this new creative avenue for the singer has become a successful brand extension. She also says because she’s a multifaceted creative, creating content on social media allows her to not limit her creative abilities at a time when it was challenging to do so.
The star lives by the motto “to make the world smaller, start travelling.”
And having recently partnered with Dubai tourism as an ambassador she felt inspired because of how similar Dubai and SA are when weighing them on the same scale.
“In SA we love shiny things and feeling good, Dubai is that place. Without faulting Dubai for the stigma it has gained in SA this place is inspirational, aspirational and gives many opportunities. South Africans love to laugh and share our vibrant energy. Our music brings so much joy and it has become far reaching across the world, especially in Dubai. To me, this country has opened my eyes to how big and amazing the world can be,” she says.
Kenya’s most loved couple Bahati and Diana Marua have also partnered with Dubai Tourism.
The couple is part of an upcoming campaign that shows you the A to Z of Dubai, and all the amazing sights and sounds that Kenyans and Africans can enjoy in Dubai.
“Thank you, Dubai Tourism, for trusting the Bahati’s with the ambassadorial job. I cannot wait for the world to see the magic we have created – the best advert so far,” Bahati posted on his Instagram.
The Bahati’s join a coveted list of global celebrities that have shot adverts for Dubai including Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan, Hollywood superstar Martin Lawrence, Nollywood stars Chioma Akpotha, Uche Jumbo, Omoni Oboli and Ufuoma MC Dermott.
Image supplied (Immersing in Dubai. SA musician Thabsie flying mzansis flag high following her appointment as Dubai Tourism ambassador).
