Tulani “Tulz” Madala is no stranger to the spotlight. Known for his presence across radio, television, and media, he has spent years shaping conversations, amplifying culture, and supporting music from the sidelines. Now, with the release of his debut Amapiano single “iMali Ikhona,” Tulz officially steps into the booth himself—marking a bold and intentional new chapter in his creative journey.
1. iMali Ikhona marks your official music debut. What inspired the timing and decision to finally pursue this step in your artistic journey?
I bumped into Thato and Thabang who believed that this was something I really needed to be a part of. I’ve always felt skeptical aboutgetting into music because of all the stories I’ve heard throughout my career and understanding how difficult it is to be in space, but when they approached me I accepted the challenge and here we are.
2. You’ve described the message behind the track as “the cake is big enough for everyone.” How does the song reflect your belief in collaboration and shared opportunity?
The cake is bigger enough for everyone to eat. Over the past few years in South Africa we’ve seen a surge in celebrities making their debut in the music scene, and while many might that there are too many djs and producers etc, the fact that they can make that transition successfully just goes to show that theres enough space for everyone. The world is looking at South Africa right now, so the more the merrier.
3. You chose to spotlight emerging and previously unknown artists. What stood out to you about Springle, DJ Kafi, Olley RSA, Makhives101, C’biya, and Fierce?
It’s me trying to amplify the eyes that the world has on the South African music scene, I really hope iMali IKhona not only becomes a success, but that it will also help these emerging stars get the spotlight as well.
4. How did your background in radio, TV, and media influence the creative and production process behind iMali Ikhona?
My background in radio and TV gave me a significant advantage in the production and final delivery of _iMali Ikhona_. Years of working in media have trained my ear to focus on clean, broadcast-quality audio mixes and tight, impactful editing.
5. Amapiano is thriving both locally and globally. What makes iMali Ikhona unique in today’s fast-evolving Amapiano soundscape?
Its a December themed amapiano jam that should get people feeling good. I dont want to say its one of a kind but its a beautiful song that sounds different.
6. Can you take us into the studio — what was the energy like while creating the track with the ensemble of collaborators?
process of making music is not as fun as listening to it. I didn’t realise it was a whole lot of sitting and doing the same thing over and over again. The producers and vocalists moonwalk all over the beat and we got a beautiful song out of the sessions we had.
7. You mentioned that the industry has often felt like a “closed shop.” What industry norms are you hoping to challenge or change through projects like this?
I’m trying to get away from the whole idea that you need to know somebody in order to do something with them, which is a contradiction because me working with the guys is exactly that. But I’m hoping that this project will inspire people to work with me or the rising stars for the purpose of growing the industry.
8. Do you see music becoming a long-term commitment for you, or is this project a bridge to future creative experiments?
I absolutely see music as a long-term commitment and a central part of my creative future. While this initial project is a great learning experience, I plan to continue building upon it, exploring new sounds and establishing a lasting career in the industry.
9. What lessons did this process teach you about nurturing and guiding new talent in the industry?
It’s really not cheap, but its a necessary act if we want to see the industry grow.
10. What do you hope listeners, especially Amapiano fans, feel or take away when they experience iMali Ikhona for the first time?
This is the song for this December and the rest of them to follow if you are all about good vibes.
And if this first step is any indication, Tulani “Tulz” Madala is ready to help push the culture forward—one collaboration at a time.
Stream “Imali Ikhona” HERE.
