Thabsie
Bathabise Biyela[1] (born 5 November 1991) is a South African singer-songwriter professionally known under the alias of Thabsie. She came to prominence subsequent to the release of "Ngiyaz'fela Ngawe" (which was certified 119× Platinum in South Africa).[2][3]
In 2017, Biyela put out two lead singles, "African Queen" featuring JR and "Ubuyanini" from her debut studio album Songs About You (2017), which were certified Platinum and Gold respectively by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).[4]
After a four-year hiatus, Thabsie returned in 2024 with the single ‘Same Place’, blending Afro and R&B influences.[5] In late 2025, she released ‘Again’, a soulful track exploring resilience and self-discovery.[6] She also collaborated with DJ Zinhle on ‘Kusazokhanya’.[7] At the 2025 TikTok Sub-Saharan Africa Awards, Thabsie performed a medley of her hits.[8]
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award ceremony | Category | Recipient/Nominated work | Results | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | South African Hip Hop Awards | Song of the Year | "Ngiyaz'fela Ngawe" | Won | [9] |
| 2018 | South African Music Awards | Newcomer of the Year | Songs About You | Nominated | |
| Best R&B / Soul / Reggae Album | Nominated | [10] | |||
| 2019 | Record of the Year (fan voted) | "Macala" | Nominated |
References
- ^ "5 things we bet you didn't know about Thabsie". TimesLIVE. Archived from the original on 2 October 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
- ^ "Hip-hop hooray: Kwesta's 'Ngiyaz'fela Ngawe' hits 10-million mark [watch]". The South African. 17 August 2021. Archived from the original on 31 August 2023. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
- ^ "D.Y.K – DID YOU KNOW? 09 June 2021". TRACE. 9 June 2021. Archived from the original on 2 October 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
- ^ "Certifications 2023". www.risa.org.za. Archived from the original on 2 October 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
- ^ "Thabsie returns with new music after 4 years break". GQ South Africa.
- ^ "Thabsie Releases New Single "AGAIN"". Slikour On Life.
- ^ "Thabsie Set to Release New Single, "Again"". Slikour On Life.
- ^ ""You'll be in your feels": Thabsie talks new music 'Again'". Briefly.co.za.
- ^ "2017 WINNERS". SA HIP HOP AWARDS. Archived from the original on 31 August 2023. Retrieved 31 August 2023.
- ^ "2018 Best R and B/Soul Album Nominee : Thabsie – Songs About You". samusicawards.co.za. Archived from the original on 7 December 2021. Retrieved 2 October 2023.