Thando Zide is a South African singer-songwriter whose sound blends Contemporary R&B, Jazz, and African soul. Born and raised in Soweto, Johannesburg, she was immersed in music from an early age, growing up in a household shaped by choral tradition and storytelling through song. She studied music formally at the National School of the Arts in Braamfontein, where she participated in the school orchestra and choir, and formed an A Cappella group with peers. These early creative experiences helped shape her voice, stage presence, and commitment to craft. Though she later pursued academic studies in Social Work, music remained central to her identity. Her 2023 debut EP Umvulo, featuring tracks like iNtwenhle and iLanga Lakho, introduced her as one of South Africa’s most compelling new voices. The follow-up single Ziveze and recent collaborations with Manana, Sun-El Musician, Nomfundo Moh, and Mnqobi Yazo further cemented her rising status. Her latest release, Break (June 2025), is a vulnerable and emotionally stripped-back offering that captures her growth as an artist. Rooted in heritage and shaped by lived experience, Thando’s work explores vulnerability, intimacy, and emotional honesty. Her music reflects a commitment to sonic exploration while honoring the influences that raised her - offering a sound that is both grounded and ever-evolving.