THE Tsonga musician says traditional music has brought her closer to her roots and culture.
Nurse Matlala, originally from Thapane in Limpopo, said she was influenced by Dr Thomas Chauke.
The Joburg-based musician said currently she's doing Tsonga traditional music, mainly.
Thapane started off as a disco artist back in the day. She was also inspired by Penny Penny and the late Peta Teanet, as she was their backing vocalist.
"I'm a mother, wife, and legendary musician. I'm a typical conservative and cultural village woman. I love singing and dancing. I also love community development," Nurse said.
She said, as the older generation, adjusting to the digital age hasn't been that easy.
"To overcome the challenge, I work with a young team of producers and managers who assist me with strategies required to make it in today's industry both from a sound and marketing perspective," she said.
The musician, who has been in the industry for the past 36 years, said she won't stop making music.
Nurse said outside the music industry, she would have been either a teacher or a nurse.
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"I continue to release songs because it's more spiritual than just entertainment. I get depressed if I don't do music. I do it to feed my soul."
Nurse's secret: humble yourself and adapt.
She also urged young people who want to become musicians to get educated.
Her 12-track album titled Chayela Driver was released on 27, March 2024.
Next, she'll be on tour around Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Mozambique.
"I'm planning to release a few more projects and impart skills and knowledge to up-and-coming female artists."
Between 2007 and 2024, Nurse has released 11 albums. Between 1995 and 2001, she did five collaborations with Shaka Bundu Girls and Candy Tsamandebele.
She also did a collaboration with Brothers of Peace on their 2004 song, MaBOP, and Kabelo Mabalane on his Blackjack project on the song, Amajekeje.
