Born in Belgium to an Italian father and South African mother, Tamara Dey burst onto the South African music scene in 2000 and has since established herself as one of the country’s most distinctive and versatile performers.
Dubbed the “First Lady of Kwaito”, an icon of township pop and “The First Lady of Song” by the Sunday Times, Tamara was discovered by DJ Pepsi, who introduced her to Bruce Sebitlo and Oscar Mdlongwa of Brothers of Peace (BOP). Their collaboration produced the chart-topping hit “Thathi ’Mphahlayakho”, launching Tamara into the national spotlight.
The success of the track saw her tour extensively across South Africa as part of the Sony Summer Sounds Tour 2000, alongside BOP and an impressive line-up of artists including Trompies and Mafikizolo. The track subsequently received three South African Music Award (SAMA) nominations in 2001.
Throughout her career, Tamara has built a reputation for music that effortlessly crosses cultural, generational and language barriers. Her ability to blend African influences with contemporary pop, dance and electronic sounds has made her a distinctive voice within South African music and a dynamic choice for festivals, corporate events and high-profile celebrations.
Never afraid to reinvent herself, Tamara entered a new musical chapter with a vibrant disco-inspired sound. Her contemporary interpretation of Brenda Fassie’s iconic 1980s anthem “Leave Me Alone” brought her music to a new generation and reached No. 1 on the 5FM Dance Music Chart in 2023.
With more than two decades in the industry, Tamara Dey remains an energetic, charismatic and unmistakably South African performer, combining a strong live presence with an extensive musical heritage spanning kwaito, township pop, dance, disco and contemporary African sounds.
[fancytabs]
