Thapelo Esau discovered her passion for music within the sacred walls of her church at the tender age of eight.
Image: Supplied
For Thapelo Esau, music transcends mere hobbies - it's the essence of who she is.
Born and raised in Vosloorus, a vibrant township nestled in the East Rand of Johannesburg, Esau discovered her passion for music within the sacred walls of her church at the tender age of eight.
It was there, surrounded by soulful harmonies and spiritual melodies, that she unearthed a gift that would become a driving force in her life.
Her sound resonates with the emotional depth of gospel, the soulful richness of R&B, and the rhythmic pulse of house music - genres that were an integral part of her upbringing.
This unique blend allows her music to offer both a sense of familiarity and an exciting freshness that appeals to a broad audience.
Describing herself as a true “singer-singer”, Esau delivers powerhouse vocals imbued with emotional intensity.
She is dedicated to remaining authentic to her voice and message, crafting songs that echo her heart, spirit, and purpose.
Over the years, Thapelo Esau has achieved several milestones, making her mark in the music industry by winning school talent shows and notably gracing the "Idols South Africa" stage.
Image: Supplied
Over the years, she has achieved several milestones, making her mark in the music industry by winning school talent shows and notably gracing the Idols South Africa stage.
After first auditioning in 2016, she returned for a second try in 2017, earning a coveted spot in the Top 10 and winning the hearts of many with her extraordinary talent and resilient spirit.
In 2024, she reached another career milestone by signing her first record deal with David Gresham Music.
The subsequent release of her debut single, “Vuma”, felt like a powerful moment of realisation, a testament to her dedication and hard work.
On Friday, she unveiled her eagerly awaited debut EP titled “Ms Esau”. This collection is a deeply personal body of work, infused with themes of love, encouragement, and uplifting energy.
Each track invites listeners to explore Esau as not just an artist but as a woman fearlessly stepping into her power.
The stories woven through the EP highlight her truth, vulnerability, and joyful self-expression, paving the way for her forthcoming debut album set to launch later this year.
One highlight of the EP is the stirring song “Nhliziyo”, an anthem for weary souls that wraps listeners in a warm embrace of hope and resilience, a touching reminder that after every storm, healing and light await.
Another joyous offering is “Vuma”, featuring Loki, which celebrates the beauty of commitment and the triumph of love over adversity. It’s a reassuring reminder that no matter the challenges life presents, love conquers all.
The EP also features the tender track “Thando”, which opens with a soothing trumpet, painting a picture of a heartfelt pursuit for that special someone.
The lyrics echo a longing and commitment, exuding an undeniable warmth. Meanwhile, the final track, “Ngiyakfhuna”, featuring Kings of Kontent, further celebrates love by appreciating a unique connection, asserting that true affection sees no boundaries.
Listeners will undoubtedly find this EP to be a celebration of love in its various forms, making it one worth enjoying.
Thapelo Esau discovered her passion for music within the sacred walls of her church at the tender age of eight.
Image: Supplied
In an interview with “Independent Media Lifestyle”, she shared her inspirations and aspirations.
“I’m just a girl from Bozi, East Rand, where the talent resides! My love for music started right at home,” she reminisced, recalling how Sundays were filled with romantic tunes from Metro FM, igniting her passion.
With a mother and grandmother renowned for their singing, it was only natural for her to follow suit.
Esau continued to explore her artistry, stating, “I’m a big R&B lover. If I could describe myself musically, I’d say I’m an R&B artist. However, I’ve decided to play around with different sounds and genres, which has been a lot of fun.”
Grateful for her artistic journey, she has collaborated with talented producers and musicians to shape her EP’s vibrant soundscape, including John Lundun, Ziggy, Raven Cable, Oriah Reloaded, and Zephbeats, along with features from Loki and Kings of Kontent.
“I’ve enjoyed working on it,” she admitted, highlighting the teamwork behind her sound's evolution.
The choice to title her first body of work “Ms Esau” carries personal significance. “I’ve always been told I have a pretty cool surname,” she said.
“We thought, why not call it Esau and make it a bit more feminine?”
Above all, Esau hopes her music resonates on a healing level, noting, “Honestly, the biggest thing for me is for my music to heal. It just makes you feel heard, seen, good. That’s all I want.”
She aspires to reach broader audiences and solidify herself as an influential musician, perhaps even setting her sights on global recognition. “That’s the goal!”
Lutho Pasiya picks on other new love songs to listen to:
- "Russian Roulette" by Lady Zamar: This intimate track examines the complexities of a friendship on the verge of romance, capturing the emotional risks involved in love through the clever metaphor of a game. It features an engaging rhythm while exploring themes of uncertainty and longing.
- "Mnakwethu" by Lwah Ndlunkulu: produced by Xowla, this poignant ode delves into modern relationship complexities. With soulful vocal delivery, the song illuminates the emotional turbulence of suspected infidelity, making it a relatable experience for many listeners.