Singer Tamara Dey on spinning beats and making time for bedtime stories

News24

01-07-2025

For two decades Tamara Dey has electrified South Africa's music scene, evolving from kwaito queen to electronic pioneer while cementing her legacy in the country's cultural fabric.
The Johannesburg vocalist admits this period of her life has brought unexpected passion. 'I literally thought I was working hard back in the day, I didn't have a clue,' she tells YOU during a video call, looking stylish in a black leather jacket, polo neck top and her signature red lipstick.
Tamara is stepping into a new role as godmother for the Lady of the House (LOTH) South African demo contest, a British-based movement elevating women and non-binary creatives in dance music.
'My journey with Lady of the House began when I met founder Laila McKenzie at the South African launch of their demo competition at one of my events,' Tamara explains.
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'Our connection was immediate and meaningful. Lady of the House operates as a global movement and record label dedicated to elevating historically under-represented voices in electronic dance music.'
While representation has improved considerably in recent years, Tamara believes there's still progress to be made.
'As a female artist I've always wanted recognition based on talent rather than gender, but I also recognise the importance of intentionally nurturing underrepresented voices given the industry's male-dominated history.'
Alongside fellow godmothers, rapper Gigi Lamayne, TV present Shamiso, musicians Namakau Star and Money Badoo, she'll help select four winners from the South African leg of this global competition.
PHOTO: Supplied
Each winner will receive an international release on Lady of the House Records.
'The competition connects participants with influential figures and brands in dance music, including Beatport, Pirate DJ Academy, Printworks, Jägermeister and Drumsheds in the UK,' she says.
While Tamara began her music career as a vocalist collaborating with DJs, she started DJing herself a few years ago, which led to hosting events such as Ode An Basso and becoming part of South Africa's resurging tech house scene.
'I've found tremendous joy in community-building,' she says.
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'At this stage in my career I'm drawn to creating platforms and opportunities for others – just as certain women did for me when I first entered the industry.'
When she started out in the music industry in 2000, she received guidance from the likes of the late Lebo Mathosa, Brenda Fassie, Thandiswa Mzwai and Thembi Seete.
'It's an incredibly exciting time for South African music,' Tamara adds.
'We've had some incredible artists breaking through on the world stage lately, bringing a lot of attention to our country.'
Behind the spotlight Tamara's life is centred around family. She's raising her seven-year-old daughter, Lalabella, with help from her 70-something mother, Susan Dey.
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'We're three generations living together and supporting each other,' she says.
'It's challenging at times, but I wouldn't have it any other way. My daughter gets to grow up around her grandmother and it's beautiful to witness.'
When asked about balancing motherhood and her music career she laughs and says, 'Balance? What balance? I'm exhausted!'
Despite the challenges, Tamara has developed strategies to thrive in both worlds.
'Self-care has become absolutely vital for me.
'Family time serves as my sanctuary – a space where I disconnect from the industry's demands and get re-energised.'
Her philosophy remains straightforward: 'You've got to unapologetically seek out joy in your life. Stay connected to your highest excitement – that's where the magic happens.'
This spiritual connection provides strength when industry pressures mount.
'When things aren't going great, it's easy to get sucked into the game of numbers and social media. That's when I step back and remind myself why I'm actually doing what I'm doing.'
'Society likes to put time limits on things, but I refuse to play by those rules,' she states.
'That keeps me connected, feeling young and energised enough to be both the mother and artist I want to be.'