Thabsie (born 5 November 1991) is a South African singer-songwriter. She rose to prominence with the hit single “Ngiyaz’fela Ngawe”.
The Ngiyaz’fela singer has achieved mainstream success with songs such as “Macala” and “African Queen”. She had a meteoric ascent in the music industry. She was nominated for three awards at the South African Music Awards.
| Thabsie | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Quick Facts | |
| Name: | Bathabise Biyela |
| Born: | 5 November 1991 (age 34 years old) |
| Place of birth: | Cape Town, Western Cape |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Parents: | Mike Biyela (father) |
| Education: | Economics |
| Alma mater: | University of Johannesburg |
| Occupation: | Singer, songwriter |
| Instrument: | Vocals |
| Genre: | R&B/Soul |
| Spouse: | Thando Vokwana |
Early Life
Thabsie was born Bathabise Biyela on 5 November 1991 in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, to Mike Biyela. She grew up singing in church and started writing songs at eight. Her mother nicknamed her “Matah”.
She moved to Gauteng after completing high school.
Education
Thabsie studied economics at the University of Johannesburg.
Career
Her music journey started during her varsity years. She entered many choral music competitions and did backing vocals for artists. She worked with the likes of Donald, ProVerb, Khuli Chana, and Cassper Nyovest.
Thabsie was also recording music with Sipho “Psyfo” Ngwenya. After graduating, she got a job at an investment bank. She got her foot in the music industry after featuring on the anti-xenophobia song ‘No More’ in 2015.
In December 2015, Thabsie quit her banking job to focus more on music. She got her big break in 2017 after featuring on Kwesta’s ”Ngiyazifela Ngawe”. She has since collaborated with industry greats like Cassper Nyovest and Black Motion.
Thabsie dropped an R&B song, “Cry”, and later an Afro-pop song, “African Queen”. She released her first studio album, “Songs About You,” in 2017. She was nominated for 3 awards at the South African Music Awards.
She started digital content creation during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. After a four-year hiatus from music, she returned with “Same Place” in 2024.
Personal Life
Thabsie got married to Thando Vokwana at the age of 23. They celebrated a traditional wedding in September 2017, although the couple had married earlier in 2015. They celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2025.
She doesn’t have any kids but has four dogs.
Dischography
Albums
- Songs About You
Songs
- Cry
- Forever
- Finally
- High
- 2 Am
- Moyeni
- Sphesihle
- Again
- Run Back
- Mind Games
- Dance The Pain Away
- Macala
- 4 Am
- Ezay’zolo
- Ubuyanini
- Same Place
- iLula
- Mai Zuzu
- Thank You
- Special
References
- “Thabsie: Back to basics”. Sowetan.
- Sisonke Labase. “Thabsie, Gigi Lamayne and other celebrities reflect on their relationships with their fathers”. TimesLive.
- DRUM Digital. “Meet Thabsie, the woman behind Kwesta’s hit Ngiyaz’fela Ngawe”. Drum.
- Joy Mphande. “‘Love personified’: Thabsie and husband Thando mark 10-year milestone”. TimesLive.
- Drum Digital. “After a four-year break, Thabsie returns to music”. Drum.
- https://afternoonexpress.co.za/guests/thabsie-biyela/3302
- Ayanda Sithole. “Thabsie – from investment banker to music star”. Bona Magazine.
- Drum. “PICTURES: Thabsie ties the knot”. Drum.
