Katrina Rees
Here at CelebMix, we love it when an artist takes an old classic and reworks it by sprinkling it with their own slick vibe. Singer Tabi Gazele has done just that with her debut single, ‘Touch Somebody’.
Bringing South African Queen of Pop Brenda Fassie’s ‘Touch Somebody’ into the modern day, the track comprises of pumping synth-bass and compelling moments of silky, groovened electric guitar. Teaming up with production partner Timomatic, ‘Touch Somebody’ has been given a new lease of life with a sharp, urban edge.
Speaking about reworking Brenda’s classic song, Tabi said: “Whilst in the studio experimenting I was told by a few people that my voice reminded them of the late Brenda Fassie. She was the South African Queen of Pop who after researching, clearly had an incredible life story – I decided to get in the studio with my brother Timomatic on production and re-imagine some of her songs just as a “try out” – It was a wild thing to try and not something I would normally do…but it just clicked. I felt some strange kind of bond with her music…I am now a massive fan of hers through doing this project!
“I chose Brenda because in her time she was The South African Madonna – She did it for so many young aspirational women – She deserves the recognition even now – All I have done is added some 2017 bottom end to what were already great songs – Long Live Brenda!!”
‘Touch Somebody’ is released on Friday (June 16), however, we’re bringing you the exclusive premiere of the song today! Check out the incredible track below.
Representing a new strain of ‘Irresistible Afro Pop’, ‘Touch Somebody’ is the first offering from Tabi’s debut EP which will pay homage to the late great South African Queen of Pop. We can’t wait to hear how she’ll put her stamp on the rest of the songs!
