In a powerful move to continue supporting Women of Amapiano, following the Decade of Amapiano celebration, Spotify proudly announces TxC as EQUAL Africa’s July Ambassadors. The dynamic duo, known for their innovative contributions to the Amapiano genre, continues to break barriers and set new standards in the South African music scene.
TxC, comprising members Tarryn Reid and Clairise Hefke, have rapidly become one of the most influential acts in Amapiano, a genre that has captured the hearts of music lovers worldwide. Their unique sound, infectious energy, and dedication to their craft have not only earned them a loyal fanbase but also positioned them as role models for aspiring female artists.
Spotify understands the challenges that women in the global music sector face, which is why programs like EQUAL are crucial to combating gender disparities in the music industry. By spotlighting female talent from around the world, giving them a platform through playlist content, and the EQUAL hub, which has generated over 31 billion editorial streams across 1 billion listening hours, EQUAL provides female artists with the resources and visibility they need to succeed. With more than 6,900 female artists added to the EQUAL playlist and over 1,000 ambassadors in their home countries, including South Africa, Spotify hopes to inspire change and promote a more inclusive music landscape across the globe.
Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, commented on the announcement:
“We are thrilled to welcome TxC as our EQUAL Ambassadors for July this year. Their trailblazing work in the Amapiano genre and their commitment to empowering women in music make them perfect ambassadors for this initiative. At Spotify, we believe in creating a platform where all artists can thrive, and we are excited to shine a spotlight on TxC’s incredible talent and influence.”
We sat down with TxC members Tarryn Reid and Clairise Hefke to learn more about their music as they expressed their gratitude and excitement for this opportunity:
“Working in a space that has been male dominated for a long time has had its fair share of challenges but has also been so much more rewarding. When we first started we had to prove ourselves ten times more as being worthy of being within this specific music scene and now, as time has evolved, women have been more accepted within the space which is such a proud feeling.”
“We are delighted to be part of such a prestigious programme as EQUAL, seeing women being celebrated and recognised for the work and effort they put into their craft is always so rewarding, so we thank Spotify for making us part of such an elite and well-rounded programme.”
Personal Insights from TxC
What is that one surprising thing your fans might not know about you?
Tarryn: I am obsessed with white noise; my hairdryer is always on whether hot or cold.
Clairise: I absolutely love true crime; I always have some story playing in the background whether I’m doing my hair or makeup. It’s always just me and my true crime stories.
When did you realise that making music was in your destiny, and what is your WHY for pursuing this craft?
As we mention in all our interviews, we have always been musically inclined as we come from families where music played and still plays a big role. We then took it a step further by actually deciding to fully enter the music space in 2019 by becoming DJs and then deciding to actually team up with producers and artists to create our own music, and we haven’t looked back since!
As for why we decided to pursue a career in music, it comes from seeing how music is able to connect and bring people together regardless of social or cultural barriers. Once we had the opportunity to get on stage for the first time and were able to perform for a crowd, the nerves and anxiety automatically disappeared within the first few minutes. That’s when we knew that this is definitely our passion. The impact music has on people can never be replaced.
Which African songs or artists did you grow up listening to?
Africa is filled with such amazing and talented artists. We grew up listening to the likes of Brenda Fassie, Mafikizolo, and Jamali, amongst others.
To someone who has never heard your music, how would you describe the sound, tone, and style?
When it comes to describing our sound, it would be characterised by distinct piano keys while also encompassing jazz elements and deep baselines. Because Amapiano itself is multifaceted with multiple sub-genres within it, we can create music that you can listen to on your drive home after a long day and sounds that you can vibe to in a social setting.
Any advice for someone dreading following their dreams?
Just keep moving forward! Obstacles and uncertainties may arise, but regardless of all that may come your way, remember that nothing worth having comes easy. You also have to be eager to constantly evolve and grow and remember to surround yourself with people who will celebrate your wins, whether big or small, while you also have to be open to positive criticism.
Check out TxC’s song Yebo on the EQUAL Africa playlist.