Versatile singer, music creator and vocal trainer, Thembi Khubheka was born in Soweto, Johannesburg and started singing at a very early age. She grew up listening to the music of Miriam Makeba, Letta Mbulu, Caiphus Semenya and American jazz thanks to her father who was a jazz fanatic.

Growing up in Soweto in the 70’s and 80’s was also a remarkable and inspiring period teeming with music and culture despite apartheid still being prevalent.  Thembi received her vocal training at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg in the 80s and by the mid 80’s, she got her first break featuring as a backing vocalist for veteran gospel singer, Rebecca Malope.  She then went on to work with jazz singer, Simphiwe Dana and Phinda Mtya.  One of her career highlights was working with Letta Mbulu, the international jazz singer, songwriter and producer.

With her impressive voice and range, Thembi became one of South Africa’s most sought-after female backing artists going on to record and tour with iconic and legendary musicians such as Hugh Masekela, Tsepo Tshola and Mzwakhe Mbuli. She also recorded with the world celebrated band Sankomota and toured extensively with Yvonne Chaka Chaka.  

Some of her accomplished works include contributing to vocals on the of the Lion King, Ipi Ntombi and Sarafina soundtracks. With her talent growing as a professional singer and performer, Thembi was recruited by renowned producer and playwright, Mbongeni Ngema featuring on her Township Fever and performing off Broadway in New York.  She has also toured globally working with various artists and has worked as a musical director on a number of occasions including with Zenzi Mbuli developing a new dance theatre piece, Footsteps of Africa with Adzido Dance in London in 2004 performed at the LSO St Luke’s City of London Festival.

Thembi is currently working on her own recording project. She is also a voice-over artist for children’s programmes. She is passionate about training and the transfer of skills to children and youth, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. Many talented black children in the township do not have access to music education or academies. Through the Creative Afrika Concepts, her dream is to establish a Vocal Training Academy for Children in Soweto.