An interview with Tumelo Khoza
Musician, bartender, and all-around awesome human
Describing himself as an “artist using life as a canvas - an average individual living through extraordinary moments put together as a mosaic,” Tumelo Khoza is a South African currently living in Dubai in the UAE. A bartender who has worked at some of the city’s best bars by night and a musician by day, Tumelo is a lifelong fan of great storytelling, and always tries to find unique ways to bring this magic into his work.
How did you end up in your current line of work?
In all honesty, I had somewhat of a bumpy childhood in a small little county and due to this, I never wanted to be anything but somewhere else. As I grew older, I realized that all I actually wanted to do was to see the world. The easiest and most natural way to do this was to get a job abroad, and I thus landed up in [the] hospitality [industry] - [it’s] the pulse of the world, as you get to meet a lot of different nationalities and people from all walks of life.
You've worked as a head bartender and bar supervisor at some award-winning establishments in Dubai. What's something people might not realise about working behind a bar?
That you’re still a human being. Working in the industry, [in my experience] as a whole there is often a lack of empathy towards hospitality staff, which is rather sad.
What's one of the most important skills to have to be a great mixologist?
Empathy, patience, selflessness, and character.
What has been the most challenging part of your career so far?
Being overlooked due to my passport [in my opinion] - which has helped me better understand where my true happiness lies. [For some people, a setback like this] makes them push harder to climb this ladder, but for me, it made me realize that I may be good at this, but it’s really just a means to an end that I truly enjoy doing.
What about the most rewarding?
Being part of teams that have achieved so much, and watching each member grow and go on to achieve and accomplish so much. I appreciate just being able to witness their growth in some form or another. [It’s] pure joy!
Outside of your work in bartending, you're also a musician. How would you define the type of music you create?
There is no one way of correctly describing my music, as I write stories through experiences that I’ve witnessed or lived through. But if you were to put a label on it, maybe Alternative Hip Hop.
You're a great lyricist. Why do you think lyrics are so important?
Because we are currently living in a dystopia [in my opinion]. Everything has gone left, truths are lies, and vice versa. Music is an expression of life and is meant to be unique through experience, but somehow, especially in my genre, everyone is a trapper, gangster, and narcotics expert. When I think of old school music, it was simple to recognize an artist by their flow, their voice, or even their beat selections. Everyone had a signature that was unique to them. Nowadays, everyone sounds the same. [It feels like the] same beat selections, same flows, and same subject matter no matter where they are from or how old they are.
Where do you find inspiration for your musical work? What is your muse?
I find inspiration in life. My surroundings, my own feelings and experiences. Others’ experiences and stories. As I am a storyteller, my only job is to tell stories and provide insight into moments and feelings that you may be going through, or know of someone going through.
What's something you wish you knew about writing and producing music when you were still getting started?
I wish I knew how to write, haha! Honestly, I wish I knew how much energy you have to put in if you want to make quality music. I always thought it was just a simple write, record, and upload [process].
You recently released a new song, Real-Ish (The Boondocks Animation) by Butterz & Trizz, which tells a story between visuals and the music. Can you tell us about it?
This song is meant to showcase my ability to switch flows and styles while still flexing punchlines. The visuals are specific to the journey of two “brothers” who, even though they are calm and collected and stay in their own lanes, will always still encounter those who will test you. Always stay ready!
Your approach towards using specific animations alongside your music is quite a unique approach to storytelling through visual elements and sound. Why does this speak to you?
I’ve always loved anime. It’s a great way to emphasize or visually express my lyrics. Plus anime always seems to capture moments so well, whether it’s a fight scene or a love moment.
What are your top tips for fostering one's creativity?
Don’t listen to outside noise. Don’t let that be the reason you do something. Do it for you and only you, and through this selfishness others will gravitate towards you and may be inspired as well.
On one of your earlier songs, Life Has Changed, you collaborated with a singer called Tuanna. How do you choose who to collaborate with?
I just ask, haha! Seriously, I just ask: “Do you wanna sing or rap?” If the answer is yes, then boom, we set appointments and then we work!
You filmed the music video for that song in Dubai, What was that like? What vibe were you trying to evoke from that video, and what was the process of producing it like?
(Laughs) It can be a risk since, as we all know, you can’t just be filming anywhere, you need permits and all sorts. [It’s about] change. The video starts with me walking the path moving through the present, and ends with me saying peace to the present that has now become my past. I mean, we just had the idea of change, so every shot and sequence was all on the fly that just came together too perfectly in the end.
Who are some of your musical idols or favorite artists ?
Tupac, Scarface, Redman, Method man, early Eminem, Nas, Big L, Lost Boys, Kool G Rap, Sean P, Bootcamp Click, Heltah Skeletal, J Cole, Joyner Lucas, Milllyz etc. I could go on for days, haha! If I have to tell you why, we’d be here for 325 days. I’d say the best way [to discover why they’re so inspiring] would be for people to go and listen to these artists and understand for themselves.
What advice would you give other people looking to get involved in either of your lines of work?
There is never enough time, and that’s the truth of the matter. So whichever you choose to do, sacrifices would need to be made - but never lose faith or hope. Just maintain focused and stay your course.
If you could write a letter to your younger self, what are the 3 main things you'd like to tell him?
I’d say “Don’t sweat the small stuff , it’s all small stuff”, and then “it’s ok not knowing and being unsure, you can only control what you do”. And the last thing I’d tell him is: “Say I love you more to those you love, cause you never know when will be the last time you say goodbye.”
What defines home to you?
Wherever I’m most at peace internally. Which for me is when I’m traveling.
If you could travel to any fictional world (in a book or a movie), what would it be and why?
Asgard, before it got destroyed. (laughs) [As for why], I mean it’s Asgard - why wouldn’t you want to travel there? The architecture, the people, and obviously, I would love to meet Loki and Thor.
What type of stories do you enjoy most? Any particular favourites?
Documentaries, Anime, live comic adaptions, [and things] based on a true story. To be fair, as long as the story or cinematic expression is good, I’d enjoy it. I love Scarface, Blow, Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, American Gangster, Training Day, Avengers Infinity War, Age of Ultron, Unsolved Murders, Turning Point. Justice League Crisis on Infinite Worlds.
If you could pick any superpower , what would it be and why?
The ability to mind my own business, haha! Seriously though, I’d wish for the ability to teleport just like in the movie Jumper. I want to see the places that haven’t been seen by the average person with zero clearance. I’m sure you know what I mean. *wink*
What might surprise people about you? Do you have any hidden talents?
I’d like to keep a little mystery for myself, haha.
If I were to peek into your fridge on any given day, what would I usually find?
If you were to peek into my refrigeratoooour, you’d most likely find a random bottle of alcohol, half-empty, that someone brought months ago, and nobody wants to touch it. Hahaha. Always yogurt, always fruit, and leftover takeaways, and like three bottles of hot sauce. Maybe a bottle of water, but definitely a large bottle of Fanta and Lipton Ice Tea, peach flavor.
If the story of your life were to be turned into a book or a film, what would it be called and why?
I’d call it “My way” because everything I done, I’ve always tried to do it my way.
If you could curate a dream dinner party guest list - with anyone you wish, living or dead - who would snag one of 10 seats around the table (and why)?
It would be my Pops. Growing up, we never spoke that much. We kinda just coexisted and there was always so much I wanted to tell him but never could. If I could grant a plus one, it would be my birth mother, who I never got to spend much time with.
To listen to Tumelo’s music, you can visit his YouTube channel here, or listen to his song on Spotify here. You can find him on Instagram at @mic_nificent
