For You, Mom And Dad

Dr Tumi and his parents, David and Lilly Makweya, talk about his success, his childhood and how they knew he was destined for greatness.

- Mpho Tshikhudo

THEIR BOY was destined for great things. They simply knew it. They could feel it in their bones. And while they made sure he got an excellent education, they fed his passion for music with enthusiasm and generosity.

Today, gospel maestro, mega-award-winner and qualified medical doctor Tumisang Makweya − better known as Dr Tumi − is infinitely grateful. “My parents have done a lot for me. The first opportunities I received regarding music were my dad’s doing − he gave us the opportunity to sing,” the singer, who has scooped a whopping 12 awards, including six SABC Crown Gospel Music awards in 2016, tells us.

His father David Makweya (77), a pastor at the Seshego Assemblies of God, allowed Tumi and his brothers to sing in church, which exposed them to big crowds.

“My recollection of my childhood is that we travelled a lot with my dad when he was preaching,” Tumi recalls. “He also made sure my siblings and I studied. But the biggest thing our parents did for us was to allow us to get to know Jesus and to be raised in a Christian family.”

His childhood not only created a solid foundation on which to base his life, it also set him on a unique − and hugely successful − path.

At the moment, a day in the life of Dr Tumi is jam-packed and nothing short of frenetic. On a whirlwind day we tag along and we’re astonished: It’s a wild ride from one venue to the next, and quite exhausting.

He’s late meeting up with us but is very apologetic and gracious, he tells us to find some refreshments while we wait for him.