In Ms. Thandi we have Australia’s answer to England’s R&B queens Jorja Smith and Ella Mai. Love, desire, and all things sensual form the basis of her opulent grooves.

Soulful, alluring R&B is the order of the day from Sydney’s Ms. Thandi. A relative newcomer with a worldly view, she skyrocketed into Sydney’s music scene in late 2019 with ‘On The Table’, a sultry ode inspired by Nina Simone lyrics. This release saw her quickly gain fans and praise as “one of Sydney’s most promising R&B acts”, with her sensual, well-polished lyricism bringing her to the fore of the scene. ‘HUNNY’, released in February 2020, proved that she was the real deal, with its lush groove creating her path to being one of this year’s BIGSOUND50 showcase artists.

Ms. Thandi has now returned with ‘The Eyes’, her most diverse offering yet. A soaring, funk-tinged track, ‘The Eyes’ is a masterclass in new age R&B. From its synth-driven bassline to Thandi’s floating, seductive vocals, everything works together to convey a story of love and desire.

“’The Eyes’ is a lust song disguised as a love song. It’s ultimately about the moment you link eyes with someone beautiful, and the instant attraction you feel to them,” says Ms. Thandi.

It’s truly a level up for this star in the making, who creates a rich soundscape you want to feel over and over again.

The world of ‘The Eyes’ is embodied by its steamy music video, created by NIDA students as the prize of Triple J Unearthed’s competition earlier this year. It’s full of sensual energy, with a bath, candles, and dripping honey all making an appearance. It also cements Ms. Thandi’s vision and paves the way for what looks like a flourishing career. With her debut EP ‘Every Song Is A Love Song’ due in early 2021, it’s only a matter of time before Ms. Thandi is the name on everyone’s lips.

Tune in to Up For It with Courtney Ammenhauser every Monday from 6am to meet your new Independent Artist of the Week!