Thatohatsi (born April 21, 2004) is a South African vocalist who gained widespread recognition for her hit breakout single, “Xolele.”
She has worked alongside top industry producers and artists, including DJ Maphorisa, AyaProw, Mellow & Sleazy, and Kelvin Momo. You can hear her featured vocals on several hit songs, such as “Ngiyozama”, “Incwadi Yenduduzo”, “Izimbali”, and “Iphupho”.
| Thatohatsi | |
|---|---|
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| Personal Details | |
| Name: | Thato Raphadi |
| Born: | April 21, 2004 (age 22 years old) |
| Place of birth: | Springs, Gauteng |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Education: | Springs Secondary School |
| Occupation: | Vocalist |
| Genre: | Amapiano |
| Instrument: | Vocals |
| Label: | Kgaday (Pty) Ltd |
Early Life
Thato Raphadi was born on April 21, 2004, in Payneville, Springs, Gauteng. Her passion for music began during her childhood, when she was deeply inspired by church singing and local community arts programs. She went to Springs Secondary School, which is also in Payneville, Springs.
Career
Thatohatsi first captured mainstream attention with her hit single, “Xolele.” She co-produced and performed this song alongside Ntando Yamahlubi, Mphoet, Blaq Note, and Jaz. The track quickly achieved viral success on popular social media platforms like TikTok.
She has also collaborated with top-tier producers like DJ Maphorisa, Major League, and Shaun Musiq. She has also recorded songs with Kelvin Momo, a producer highly celebrated in the industry as the King of Private School Amapiano.
Thatohatsi reached another major milestone by becoming the most featured vocalist on Kabza De Small’s chart-topping album, Bab’Motha. Her vocals are prominently featured on key tracks from the album, including “Ngiyozama”, “Incwadi Yenduduzo”, “Izimbali”, and “Iphupho”.
In 2024, she teamed up with the producer duo ShaunMusiQ and Ftears, as well as vocalist Tracy, to release a full studio album titled “Welile”. This project includes notable tracks such as “Ungishiya Kanjani” (featuring Sizo), “Amaphutha Ami”, “Kuyabekezelwa” (featuring Mkeyz and Debow), and “Ihlobo” (featuring Stady K).
In 2025, she joined forces with Young Stunna and Nkosazana Daughter on the hit single “Abantwana Bakho,” which was produced by DJ Maphorisa, Xduppy, and Kabza De Small. She has also worked with ShaunMusiq, Tracy, and CowBoii on the collaborative single “Nkosi”.

In June 2025, Thatohatsi faced a brief challenge when an unexpected illness caused her to temporarily lose her voice and miss weekend performances, including the sold-out Red Bull Symphonic event and other major gigs like Market@theSheds and Drama Hatfield PTA. She later issued a formal apology to her fans and event organizers.
These outstanding industry performances earned her the Best Rookie Vocalist award at the 2025 BSVM Awards. She has also worked alongside multi-platinum-selling artist Tony Dayimane on the track “9 Missed Calls”.
In 2026, she released the singles “Mele Bakuzwe” with Thakzin and “Angeke” with Sun-El Musician. She releases her music under the independent music label and artist services platform Kgaday (Pty) Ltd.
References
- Lineo Lesemane. “Amapiano vocalist Thatohatsi loses voice due to ‘unexpected’ illness“. The Citizen.
- Imanuweli Mzingeli. “Thatohatsi: Biography, Age, Real Name, Award“. The Vibes.
- Vuyi qotoyi. “Bab’ Motha: Where Spirit Meets Sound”. Medium.
- Music in Africa. “Thatohatsi – Bio”. www.musicinafrica.net.
- Lutho Pasiya. “Thatohatsi shines as the most featured voice on ‘Bab’Motha’ – who is this Amapiano powerhouse?”. IOL.
- Xoliswa Kali. “Female talent on the rise“. Springs Advertiser.






