THABO
It is with enormous pleasure that HOT! can finally introduce THABO’s long-awaited, world-class Compilation, which spans 15 years of musicianship.
Many of those years were spent writing songs for, and gigging with, ‘Thabo and The Real Deal’ as lead vocalist, as well as many ‘Extra Curricular‘ collaborations.
Three years after forming, ‘Thabo and The Real Deal’ – a politically, environmentally, and socially Conscious band – were signed in 2014 to a major record label for a number of years; a tremendous achievement and very much deserved.
Before being signed, ‘Thabo and The Real Deal’ independently achieved their ambitions of opening shows for Artists they admired, such as Omar and Anthony Hamilton, for example.
Soul Feature with Thabo and The Real Deal
Acoustic Revolutionaries presents ‘Our Big Gig’ – Bob Marley Tribute/Thabo & The Real Deal at The Media Centre, 2013.
Through ‘Extra Curricular‘ THABO played with core members Noah Burton, Jack Button, Greg Nicholas, Martin Chung and John Waugh, as well as collaborations with the likes of Rob Bradley (FKA Jack Flash), Jade America Harris and Ruby Wood.
Extra Curricular’s Last Day official video, produced by ‘Under Wraps Records‘ and filmed in Huddersfield, is truly worth a watch.
Both ‘Thabo and The Real Deal’ and ‘Extra Curricular’ have had such a huge positive impact, especially here where these bands/formations were ‘born’.
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Way before they were signed, Jolene envisioned ‘Thabo and The Real Deal’ releasing an album and touring the world with their engaging, energetic, inspiring and moving music, as well as collaborating with Dolly Parton. So much so that this image of a Tour Bus was on her manifestation board for many years.
As well as a Vocalist, THABO is a producer and educator. He cares deeply about Mother Nature and addresses issues like climate change through his authentic delivery of soulful lyrics. He encourages citizen empowerment and, with his infectious energy and power of story-telling through music, he positively inspires and moves audiences and listeners alike.
Through THABO’s spiritual presence, engaging style, and ability to effortlessly share messages of truth and hope, while also creating joyful experiences, he has the ability to connect with audiences on an unprecedented level.
Whilst signed, ‘Thabo and The Real Deal’ had some incredible experiences playing to new audiences within the music industry, and on new stages and at festivals in the UK. As he went solo with the label, he had the opportunity to collaborate with well known Artists in the music industry such as Idris Elba, Naughty Boy and Wilkinson, to name a few.
Along with Aron Kyne (keyboardist and one-third of ‘The Real Deal’) THABO also opened SEAL’s UK Tour show at the Symphony Hall, Birmingham in 2018, not long before completely parting ways with the label.
With Aron Kyne’s support, THABO moved on to focus on his Bantu Tronic Artistic project of expression, exploring Bantu Culture which is central to Zimbabwe, through his philosophies, story-telling, vocals, music and visual installations.
Jolene has so much gratitude to all who have supported THABO & Co’s musical careers, including the vast array of venues they have played, both locally and nationally.
She has the ultimate respect for THABO’s soul brother… Artist, Designer & Founder of the ‘Be You Always’ brand, Benaiah Matheson; and of course Emmanuel Allert (guitar), Ali Mac (drums/percussion) & Aron Kyne (Fender Rhodes), the co-founders of ‘Thabo & The Real Deal’. Without them the compilation below would never have been made possible. With respect also to the expertise and support that Jam Sponge brought to the band’s musical career, and to all members of ‘Extra Curricular’.
Jolene dedicates ‘THABO – The Compilation’ to all the fans who have supported him along the way and to all those who may be coming across his music for the first time… I sincerely hope you are inspired by this ‘Album’ and the journey it takes you on.
It has been a true pleasure to compile and release ‘THABO – The Compilation’ for you, on his behalf.
Queen Jolene, Executive Producer
(See the bottom of the page for Thabo’s interview with Jolene on Kirklees Local Television’s Music In The Hudd programme)
Thabo’s online presence:
