Thato Tladi set to drop debut album
Larona Makhaiza | Monday June 8, 2026 06:00
He describes the move as a bold step that places him among the few local artists committed to producing full-length bodies of work. Through an interview with Arts&Culture ahead of the album’s release, Thato Tladi said dropping an 18-track project in today’s music landscape is a rare achievement that reflects his personal and professional growth. “June 9 really means a lot to me as a creative in an ever-growing industry because dropping a full body of work nowadays is rare. It speaks volumes about growth, learning curves, mistakes, falling and getting up again,” he said.
The talented singer also explained that the album will allow listeners to experience a different side of his artistry through a diverse collection of songs that showcase his versatility. “They will get a chance to listen and appreciate my versatility across a mix of songs compiled to make up this beautiful body of work. For the first time, they can play my music continuously for over an hour without having to repeat a single song,” he said. A self-confessed “lover boy”, he revealed that love is one of the dominant themes of the album. However, he said My Journey also tackles struggles faced by ordinary people trying to provide for their families, while also encouraging perseverance during difficult times. He said one the tracks that people should be on the lookout for is Favor, a song that addresses one-sided relationships where people only reach out when they need assistance.
The artist said despite the pressures creatives often face to constantly prove themselves, he remains committed to staying authentic to his sound. “We have to understand that sometimes the music we put out might not be appreciated immediately, but if you are genuine to your sound and craft, it will find its audience,” he said. The album features collaborations with several creatives including producers Thomas Chilume and B.O 6eatz, rapper Jackalass Onetym, and marimba player Tori Lee. The album will drop across all music streaming platforms on June 9.
Looking beyond the release, Thato Tladi said he and his team plan to support the project through launches, live performances, acoustic sessions, visual content and official music videos as they seek to grow the Thato Tladi brand both locally and internationally. He appealed to the public to stream the project once it has been released.