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 Ambassador. 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: Pioneers in Amapiano
TxC, comprising members Tarryn Reid and Clairise Hefke, has 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.
The Importance of EQUAL
Spotify understands the challenges that women in the global music sector face, which is why it is crucial to have programs like EQUAL to help combat gender disparities in the music industry. By spotlighting female talent from around the world and providing them a platform through playlist content, the EQUAL hub 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 globally.
Spotify’s Commitment to Equality
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.”
An Interview with TxC
Overcoming Challenges in a Male-Dominated Space
Tarryn Reid and Clairise Hefke 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 10 times more as being worthy of being within this specific music scene. Now, as time has evolved, women have been more accepted within the space, which is such a proud feeling.”
Being Part of the EQUAL Program
“We are delighted to be part of such a prestigious program as EQUAL. Seeing women being celebrated and recognized 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 program.”
Fun Facts About TxC
Tarryn: “I am obsessed with white noise; my hairdryer is always on, whether hot or cold.”
Clairise: “I 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.”
The Journey of TxC
Discovering Their Destiny in Music
As we mention in all our interviews, we have always been musically inclined, coming from families where music played and still plays a big role. We then took it a step further by deciding to fully enter the music space in 2019 by becoming DJs and teaming up with producers and artists to create our music, and we haven’t looked back since!
The Power of Music
Our decision to pursue a career in music stems from seeing how music can 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 perform for a crowd, the nerves, and anxiety automatically disappeared within the first few minutes. That’s when we knew that this was our passion. The impact music has on people can never be replaced.
Influences and Inspirations
African Icons
Africa is filled with such amazing and talented artists. We grew up listening to the likes of Brenda Fassie, Mafikizolo, and Jamali, among others.
Defining the TxC Sound
When it comes to describing our sound, it would be characterized 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.
Advice for Aspiring Artists
Following Your Dreams
Just keep moving forward! Obstacles and uncertainties may arise, but regardless of what comes your way, remember that nothing worth having comes easy. You also have to be eager to constantly evolve and grow. Surround yourself with people who will celebrate your wins, whether big or small, while also being open to positive criticism.
