Oct 272010
 

Tumi is one of those celebrities you want to go out to lunch with and have a good time like you’ve known each other for years. She’s the 1st lady of the band, Gangs Of Instrumental and she’s also known for her role as Letitia on one of the funnies local comedy City Ses’la on SABC1. Check out our interview with her.

You have such a mellow voice. When did realise you could actually sing?
I was in STD7 when my music teacher asked us to do a singing presentation. After my presentation, she insisted I perform at assembly and based on everyone’s reaction, I knew I had something special.

How did you guys form GI? Were you this close before the group?
GI(Gangs Of Instrumentals) was formed in 2002 after I graduated from college. Mandla and I met in college and had been working on a project which we felt was missing some Reggae flavour. Mandla met up with Riot, who was performing at Horror Cafe. Riot joined us in studio and the rest is history.

You’re also an actress on City Ses’la. Have you always wanted to be an entertainer when you grew up or was it one those careers that found you instead?
I grew up relatively shy, unless I was singing at a family member’s wedding, or MC’ing at a party. So performing has always been in me. I just didn’t know till I was in high school that I would pursue entertainment as a career.

For some reason, I can’t separate you & comedy. Do you see yourself going for more serious roles in the future?
Absolutely. I just need to find the time to develop a story and do it.

You and Malaika’s Tshidi seem like the only two group lead singers I know who haven’t yet gone solo. Am I speaking too soon?

Yes, you never know what the future might hold.

How do you handle all the attention (media & fans)?
Fans are great. It’s so awesome to walk out your front door and have people smile at you/ give blessings/ take time out to let you know that they love your work. It’s a mood lifter. Media, I must admit, has been kind to me.
 
You also are a mother to a beautiful little girl. What is it like being a mother in this industry?
It’s a great challenge to balance motherhood and a career in entertainment. I thank the Lord I am not doing it alone.
Do you have a wide support system, especially with a busy lifestyle as yours or do you try to play Superwoman?
No supermom here. I have a wonderful woman who assists me in taking care of my home and daughter, my mother is always happy to lend a hand, a partner who is doing his part, and a good family support system, not to leave out my friends who are like family.
 
 
Any projects you’re currently working on?
  • Producing crowning Miss Soweto, a reality TV series on Soweto TV (DSTV 150), Saturdays 19H30.
  • Coordinating the crowning of Miss Soweto event, happening on 29 October 2010 at Nasrec MTN Expo Centre. Visit www.misssoweto.co.za for more info.
  • Post-production of the latest and 4th season of City Sesla on SABC1, Fridays at 20H30
  • Recording GI’s 4th album ‘Superstar’.
  • Developing City Sesla the movie for release in 2010.
  • Managing the African United Southgate Park, a 5-a-side action soccer club and sports bar at Southgate Mall.
  • Incubating our next bundle of joy, due to arrive anytime now.
Now the fun part; your most-envied Afro.
 
It’s beautiful, long & thick. Have you always been natural? If not, how long have you been growing it to get to the length it currently is?
I went natural after graduating from college. It was a time I was looking to find my identity, my competitive edge. I cut it every now and then to get rid of split ends and such. Length is not the goal, rather healthy thick hair.
 
 
Is it a challenge getting jobs in your industry with natural hair? Or does it work to your advantage?
Basically, different acting roles have different requirements, so as an actress you have to be willing to put your personal preferences aside. As a musician, you make the rules and self-expression is necessary. In business, as long as the hairdo is boardroom friendly, you can go for it.
 
 
Do you do your own hair, take it to a salon or have a personal hair-stylist?
A combination of all. I take myself so far then the salon has to step in and some occasions demand a personal stylist.
 
 
What’s a normal hair day like for Tumi? Your daily routine/regimen?
Well, it starts the night before – moisturize the scalp and hair, comb thoroughly and plait. In the morning, unplait and style.
 
 
Please dish out on your favourite hair products? Brands and all please.
  • For braids and plaits – Sulphur 8/ Pure Royal Spray is great to moisturize hair and keep the hairline in tact.
  • Scalp – Pure Royal Scalp Treatment is awesome for hair growth, especially on the hairline and no dandruff.
  • Weaves – Olive Oil Sheen Spray is my best, not too shiny and still takes care of your hair.
A lot of people grow an Afro and then eventually lock their hair. Are you also headed that direction?
I don’t know yet, maybe I will…maybe I wont.
 
What favourite style do you like to rock?
I like to wear my hair spikey, or put on a hairband.

  3 Responses to “Singer & Actress, Tumi Masemola”

  1. Well done Frochic!thanks for bringing us real experience . I will definitely keep my hair natural , Tumi looks lovely with her afro!!!

  2. Thank you for sharing this. Tumi is a beautiful natural!

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