Born and raised in the small town of Willowvale in the Eastern Cape, Tcee, whose real name is Sixolile
Mpahlwa, has always been deeply connected to music. From a young age, his passion for singing was
evident as he participated in church choirs, school performances, and local singing groups. These
early experiences laid the foundation for a music career that would eventually transcend the
boundaries of his hometown.
Willowvale, with its rural charm and proximity to the beach, instilled in
Tcee a sense of humility and a deep appreciation for his roots, which continue to influence his music
today. He fondly recalls being part of an isicathamiya group of 16 singers from his church,
performing across villages during weekends, an experience that fueled his passion for success in the
music industry.
Tcee’s journey in the music industry began not as a DJ, but as an artist manager, working with
musicians both in South Africa and the United States. It wasn’t until 2015 that he discovered his
talent for music mixing, initially treating it as a hobby. It was his younger brother who first showed
him how to mix, a skill that Tcee quickly realized he was naturally good at. However, it wasn’t until
the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing him to pause his artist management activities, that he decided to
pursue DJing full-time. Since then, Tcee has not looked back, building a career that has seen him
perform at major festivals and venues such as the Black Note Festival, Midrand Festival, and The Ivy
Lounge. His experience as an artist manager has also equipped him with the skills to independently
elevate his career, bypassing the need for a manager or a record label.
One of Tcee’s most memorable career moments was his first international virtual show on the
“StageIT” platform, shot in California during the pandemic. Performing for thousands of people
across different countries and states was a defining experience for him, especially at a time when the
music industry was at a standstill. Another significant milestone was his debut on Electric Radio UK
in 2023, where he shared the stage with global house music giants like DJ Tiesto and Afrojack during
a four-hour New Year’s Eve set. His feature in Grimes Magazine in November 2020 marked a turning
point, opening doors to international opportunities, including residencies on Evogue Radio and a
deal with the fashion label Bad Art. These experiences have not only expanded his brand but also
reinforced the importance of staying authentic to his South African sound.
Looking ahead, Tcee has ambitious goals for his career. He aims to dominate the international
Afrotech and AfroHouse scenes, collaborate with major brands in music and fashion, and take his
clothing label to global stages. Fans can look forward to new music, with an EP dropping in October
and a single set for release at the end of August. Tcee is also launching a new residency in Ibiza in
September, further solidifying his presence on the global stage. Despite his international success,
Tcee remains grounded, drawing inspiration from his humble beginnings in Willowvale as he
continues to push the boundaries of his craft.