Artist makes his mark in SA
HONEYDEW– Tumi Tladi made his mark when he choreographed and danced for Will Smith and his family.
Being multi-talented is a skill not many individuals possess, nor do they have the opportunity of using them on different levels. A young choreographer from Honeydew had the opportunity to take his ambitions of being a choreographer and a rapper internationally to the next level.
Tumi Tladi (23) started dancing at the age of 14 at a studio called Danceweb Studios. He said he actually wanted to be an artist before he became a dancer but decided to focus on one craft at a time.
“That’s where my passion for dancing and being an artist began, which gave me a platform to discover who I am,” he said. Tladi’s passion for dance gave him an opportunity to travel abroad to countries like Germany, USA and Poland. He said he was exposed to a number of international musicians who influenced his outlook on being a performer.
“When I stayed in LA for a year in 2012 I was at an audition for DJ Ace who is Will Smith’s eldest son Trey Smith. We were dancing when suddenly Will Smith walked in with his other younger kids Jaden and Willow Smith,” he said.
Tladi was one of ten dancers who was selected to be featured in DJ Ace’s single Find You Somewhere and also was part of choreographing the video. During the shoot Tladi said he got an opportunity to speak to Will Smith who he gave him advice that has contributed to him being a rapper in S.A. ” I found Will really humble and down to earth. He said that I should consider being an artist to compliment my dancing talent,” he said.
The artist released his song You aint Shh featuring Alfa Kat Laygo, which is currently on high rotation on MetroFM, YFM and 5FM. “I position myself as a dancer, choreographer and artist who incorporates all these elements in my performances,” he said.
Tladi will be performing at Cocoon Lounge in Sandton on 25 September and at Stones in Cresta on 29 September.
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