Canadian R&B sensation Tamia is gearing up to head back to South Africa next week for the Biggest Women’s Month Celebration Tour, with shows planned in Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria.
This will mark the singer’s fifth tour of the nation, having made her debut performance in South Africa in 2014 after launching her album Beautiful Surprise.
Between 1998 and 2004, Tamia reached the pinnacle of her career, during which she unveiled her highly praised debut album along with a series of hit singles that solidified her status among R&B’s top vocal talents.
At 51 years old, she has put out seven studio albums since her self-titled debut in 1998, which continues to be her most acclaimed project and was awarded double platinum status in South Africa.
Though her follow-up album didn’t replicate the same level of success, she made a powerful comeback in 2004 with More, a beloved track that highlighted her vocal talent.
Despite not achieving significant chart success in more recent years, Tamia has remained a highly regarded artist and continues to perform globally.
As she prepares for her return to South Africa, here are her five greatest tracks.
5. Who Do You Tell?
A standout from her debut album, Who Do You Tell? remains beloved by fans in South Africa. This heartfelt ballad is enhanced by Tamia’s emotional vocal performance, with Marc Nelson’s harmonies providing an additional layer of richness. Its timeless sound and genuine lyrics render it a hidden treasure in her collection.
4. Careless Whisper
Taking on a George Michael classic is a challenging feat, yet Tamia made Careless Whisper distinctly hers. Her smooth vocals meld seamlessly with the lush R&B production from the late ’90s, giving the song a new identity while preserving the original’s emotional essence. It is widely celebrated as one of the best covers of this iconic track.
Tamia’s first three albums were solid
3. More
The title track of Tamia’s third studio album is one of the most overlooked songs in her collection. More features polished production and an irresistibly catchy groove that pairs perfectly with her effortless vocals. While Freck Billionaire’s guest verse may add little, the song stands as one of her finest works. A subsequent remix, I Loved You More, featuring Melissa Steel, infused it with an electronic dance vibe.
2. Never Let You Go
Tamia’s vocal execution on Never Let You Go is nothing short of phenomenal. Her control, range, and soaring notes in the chorus illustrate why she is viewed as one of R&B’s finest vocalists. Crafted by Quincy Jones and the Winans, the track encapsulates all the traits of a timeless classic, and many fans still feel it warranted a single release.
1. So Into You
There can only be one top song. So Into You remains Tamia’s hallmark track, blending smooth production, memorable melodies, and one of the most outstanding vocal displays of her career.
Built around a sample of Lionel Richie’s Do It to Me, this song quickly became an instant R&B classic thanks to Tamia’s subtle yet alluring delivery.
In 2003, the song was transformed into Into You with rapper Fabolous. This collaboration emerged as a significant international success, landing at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 18 on the UK Singles Chart, making it the pinnacle of Tamia’s commercial achievements.
Fans in South Africa will once again have the opportunity to experience these classics live as Tamia performs from 5 to 10 August in Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria as part of the Biggest Women’s Month Celebration Tour.
