It is said that drumming opens portals to the spiritual world, Tshepa Diale exuberates the true essence of this statement through his exhilarating spiritual drum excursion. Born and bred in Soweto, South Africa, Tshepa immersed himself in his love for music at a tender age, with church graciously watering the musical seed germinating within him. Sprouting from the continuous banging of pots and tins, Doctor Merry Malahlela Primary School nurtured Diales musical ear through exposing him to African sounds as well as enabling him to explore the musical artistry imbedded in the marimba.

Due to the school’s lack of resources, Tshepa was later exposed to drums, which led him to finding his musical niche and music teaching abilities. Through the school, winning competitions not only showed him the heights a drummer could climb through pursuing a musical career, but also the possibility of venturing in teaching music. Diale’s academic career in Marketing post matric, was rather short lived upon being introduced to the potential of creating a livelihood through drumming, when he was offered the opportunity to perform alongside Nathi Mankayi. He has since worked with established artists such as Vusi Mahlasela and Siphokazi just to mention a few.

Tshepa interrogated the healing ability of music when his mother, Angie Diale, passed on.  It was during this period in his life that he began to consciously comprehend the power of music as a healing tool which he could use to honor his mother along with the life lessons she has passed on to him.Diale’s passion of developing emerging musician’s see’s him teaching in his backyard, a venture he yearns to consolidate, and see the fruits of his labour enabling emerging musicians to not only be active musicians, but to also thrive as musicians.
 

Keneilwe Chuene, 2023.