Meeting Tae Legolie, Cape Town’s NEWEST R&B Gem
The abundance of musical prospects that reside throughout the Mother City should be no surprise to those who are in tune with the Cape Town music environment, with multiple artists with different styles popping out of every corner of the beautiful city.
Tae Legolie is one to keep an eye out for, and we were blessed enough to get a deeper dive into her world, uncovering her origin story, her plans, and what makes her and her music who she is.
First of all, who is Tae Legolie?
“Tae Legolie is a chilled Hun from the Deep South (Ocean View), Cape Town, who is a ceramist by day and musician by night.”
Before we delved deeper into uncovering her identity as a musician, we thought it’d only be fair to understand more about her roots and how her early childhood moulded her into becoming a musician.
“My uncle didn’t like me playing around with his guitar when I was younger, so he ended up getting me an acoustic guitar for Christmas. I then started a music program at the School of Rock where interestingly enough I had guitar lessons with South African folk/popstar Matthew J Mole.”
“I followed through into high school with music by joining Marimba band where I would sing lead and sing songs such as Sam Felts version of “Show me Love”.”
“I also studied music during my high school years. I would do school performances and actually won a talent show and my school really backed me and supported me.”
“This pushed me to do music competitions and more live performances throughout the years and I was also a bassist for my church’s band for about eight years.”
Who were your music inspirations growing up"?
It’s common for people to pursue what they aspire to do in life, mainly thanks to those who inspire them to fall in love with that kind of life they’re involved in, so we wanted to know who that person was for Tae.
“Lauren Hill for sure! Brent Faiyaz, Steve Lacy, Justin Bieber, Jorja Smith, Amy Winehouse, Tems, Faye Meana and South African artists icons like Brenda Fassie, Shekinah and lately Zee Nxumalo.”
“I grew up in the era of High school musical, Trace, and Mtv, so singing along to those songs made me wanna try it out for myself, but honestly my friends and going to parties got me listening to different styles.”
“I’m someone who would have Two door cinema club downloaded, but also have songs by Erykah Badu and DJ Lag saved on my playlist.”
You released your debut project titled “Changing Channels”. Tell us more about the body of work.
Tae released her debut studio album, "Changing Channels”, which dropped on the 14th of June, displaying her vibrant yet harrowing persona utilizing her angelic vocal abilities over tranquil instrumentals.
We wanted to know what the narrative was behind this soul-stirring project.
“Changing Channels is the best way for me to introduce myself and my sound.”
“I created this project by myself on GarageBand because I wanted to hear who I was organically. I really enjoyed experimenting my sound and be myself. I like singing and performing but also like production and creating beats for myself.”
“This project is a stepping stone and a way for others to collaborate with me. Like I mentioned before, the project is like a journal for me to express who I am.”
“I also see it as an idea that can be used in genres such electronic, house, amapiano, Gqom as I want to hear it in communities, clubs, taxi’s, shops, globally…”
What did your project “Changing Channels” speak about and what was the creative process behind it?
“Growth, affirmation and being young and navigating love.”
“I’m not one to have a journal and write down my thoughts and feelings. I like doing it musically and songs such as “The News”, “Around You” and “Thank You” are about desire and admiration.”
“Where songs such as “Know Your Worth” “Clarity”, “Better Things” and “Fears” are to uplift and affirm, songs such as “Promises” and “Falling in Love” are about hoping for better romantic experiences. To change channels is to shift and grow.”
Starting a project is no easy feat. It involves loads of planning, management, and finding out how to take on such a test, so we wanted to know how Tae was able to accomplish this challenge.
“All of the songs were produced and engineered by me on my iPhone using GarageBand and Audacity. I love simplicity and the fact that I can use my phone to execute my craft is awesome to me.”
“The biggest advantage is that it’s convenient and it means my music is 100% me. I love playing around with loops and sounds and as I grow, I can’t wait to create more.”
“One day I’m going to look back and thank my younger self for releasing “CHANGING CHANNELS”. It’s my offering and stepping stone into being known as an artist. It's a project of reference for more music to come.”
Performing live in front of a live audience must be a crazy experience. Can you tell us more about what it’s like?
Standing in front of multiple eyes, all waiting for you to show off what you’re capable of sounds terrifying enough. We wanted to know what must be going through her head in such a situation.
“Adrenaline!”
“The highest amount of people I’ve performed for was about 1000+ and YES I was nervous, but it ended with a standing ovation and a prize. So well worth the nerves!”
“I’ve also performed at small jazz events and mini fundraisers, as well as at a university event during my Uni days and honestly, I was also nervous! The crowd responses are usually positive and that makes me perform even better.”
For someone as experienced as Tae (when it comes to live performances), we had to know how she’s able to prepare for sets and how she’s able to deal with all the nerves.
“Firstly, get some good songs. Secondly, find an ensemble/ accompaniment to help you perform said songs. Thirdly, rehearse, even if its once. Fourth and finally, perform and show up for soundcheck.”
She really made it seem easier than what we imagined it to be like. With all this in mind, we finally wanted to know what her best aspect of performing live is.
“The energy and also creating a community in that moment. Everyone is experiencing it together, they all have something that connects them.”
What’s your stance on the current wave on R&B in South Africa?
As an upcoming R&B prospect, we wanted to hear Tae’s own opinion on if she believes the genre is being pushed the correct way in our country.
“Honestly, I feel R&B is an umbrella genre that is being pushed in other genres.”
“I grew up in Ocean View where people play their music freely and I often hear Gqom/Amapiano edits of R&B songs I grew up listening to.”
“The songs are there but are being revived and evolved in a different way that suits todays contemporary and ever-changing time. I do give credit to Elaine for bringing it back in a contemporary way these last few years.”
Hearing her personal opinion, we wanted to know how the talented singer believes she could make an impact on the R&B genre.
“I believe I’m something new and different from what’s out there. Not many artists are conveying styles such as Lauryn Hill or Amy Winehouse as much these days. I hope to be an example for other artists like me who want to create and be organic.”
With this in mind, we wanted to know if there were any other arstist she’d love to work with.
“Tembisile (my favourite SA rapper), Dlala Thukzin, Black Coffee, Shekinah, Blxckie, Dee Koala. Internationally - YG Marley, Skepta, Majid Jordan, Tyler the creator, Doja Cat.”
As a passionate musician, how do you balance being that with your other everyday obligations?
We wanted to know what else is going on in Tae’s life, and if so, how is she able to manage being both a musician and having another profession all at the same time.
“I’m a ceramist. I work for a wonderful small business on a farm in Cape Town, which creates designs out of porcelain that we send all around the country and the world.”
“My designs have made it as far as the Chelsea Flower Show in London, England. I’ve been making for about two years now, since graduating from UCT with a BA degree in English and Theatre Studies and I love working in an artistic industry.
“It fuels me to be bold and take risks. I’m also getting really good at it. It fuels my music as well.”
“I mainly create in my free time and in the evenings after work. I usually try and perform on my off days.”
What else can we expect from you in the near future?
To close off our interview, we wanted to know if there was anything in the works from Tae, and if so, what was in store from the talented songbird.
“Yes!! Currently I have a few remixes on the way for some of my songs from CHANGING CHANNELS.”
There is this international DJ and she’s recently sent me a remix of my song “Around You” and honestly its a game changer. I can’t wait for you guys to hear it.”
“I’m hoping to throw a listening party in the next coming months. As well as drop a Hip-Hop single with an artist I’ve been working with for years.”
We cannot wait to hear what more the rising singer has to offer in the world of music. For now, please check out her project “Changing Channels”, available on streaming platforms.
