Final-year Medical student and aspiring musician - Mr Senzeni Tshuma known as “Dr Senzo”Healing through Music
Final-year Medical student at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Mr Senzeni Tshuma is juggling his MBChB classes with his music like a pro.
With the help of his manager, Vusi Kubeka who also manages Nkomazi FM, Senzeni who goes by the stage name of “Dr Senzo” has already produced four hot singles that he hopes will be officially released sometime next month.
Dear Mary; Nobody but you; Hard to move on and the Prodigal Son are of some singles to look forward to. Some of the tracks are already available on YouTube and Facebook.
His interests in music started at a tender age of nine, where he would imitate artists like the late Hugh Masikela, Earl Klugh, and the William’s Brothers during family celebrations, at church, weddings and at parties. His father, Mr Tshuma, bought him a guitar as a birthday present and he never looked back.
Through his music, Tshuma has a vocal ability to take listeners on a journey to a world where freedom and joy meets despair and inequity. Tshuma is a captivating artist who manages to incorporate a variety of flavours into his music with his soulful voice, seamless lyrics and a jazzy beat.
‘I recognised the effect music has on people at a very young age, when crafting my music, I always remember how music can heal, soothe and improve one’s mood. As a young artist, for me performing is about inciting emotional and spiritual change with nothing more than a beat, a melody and a smile,’ he says.
Born in Mpumalanga Province, Tshuma attended Njeyeza High school where he completed his matric and obtained distinctions in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Geography and Life Orientation.
‘I thank God my Creator, for blessing me with such a wonderful talent and the strength to move on. My supportive mom, Z.P Tshuma, my siblings; Percy, Senzekile and Siyenzeka and the entire Tshuma family. My pastor from Holiness Union Church; Mr M N Magagula has also been very supportive by allowing me to play my music in church. Professor Ncoza Dlova, the Dean at the School of Clinical Medicine has given me the opportunity to showcase my talent and believing in my vision and dream, I am humbled.’
Words by: Lihle Sosibo