Who is Thando?
A mother, mentor and musician. Loves to have a laugh and sometimes bites off more than she can chew but has fun doing it.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I didn’t know I had other options… I kind of do it all so if I had to pick one it would probably be a stay at home mum. It’s the hardest but most rewarding job I ever had.
Who inspires you and why?
My mother! Raising 4 women with the resilience we all have, but still allows herself to be vulnerable and emotive… she’s taught me about balance. I am yet to find it, but I see her doing her best and that keeps my fire burning.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Loaded question… universal basic income. Poverty should not be something we are still seeing in 2021.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Canberra for sure. The arts and hospitality in Canberra is lit, so much to do and eat and it’s gotten better as I’ve gotten older.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I take them to section 8, because who doesn’t love a carpark in the CBD converted to the hottest bar in Melbourne? Rizky’s NYD Block party is where it’s at.
What are you currently reading?
…business proposals for 2022 projects at my job. Riveting, I know.
What are you currently listening to?
Jazmine Sullivan’s Heaux Tales. Tell me you know a better storyteller, I dare you!
Happiness is?
Having the weekend off to spend at home with my daughter. And cheese.
What does the future hold for you?
Praying for the time to expand our family, so we’ll see where that lands. And I’m recording my album currently, so hopefully connecting with some new fans that become friends.
Thando stars with Lior, Jess Hitchcock and Sophie Koh in an intimate evening of song and storytelling in Songs My Mother Taught Me, led by Artistic Director Tina Arena, at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival on Friday 24 & Saturday 25 June at Her Majesty’s Theatre. For more information, visit: www.adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au for details.
Image: Thando – photo by Michelle Grace Hunder