Finding their feet..

Todd and Thembi would put back the money they made when performing with PALS OF AFRICA into costumes and recruiting more members. But then there were times when there was no work, and they had to look for it elsewhere. Todd entered the music industry and formed part of a band that called themselves CHESS, a hit in South Africa in the ‘80s. Thembi entered the world of television, becoming a South African television soap opera star.

Planting the seed..

Todd later went to work as a backing singer for Hotstix Mabusa and Thembi went on to win awards for her work in television. They were still involved in their dance company, pouring money into it whenever they could and doing performances for companies and events. PALS OF AFRICA grew and the group began to perform internationally. They changed the name to BAOBAB, after inspiration from longtime friend and fellow artiste, Hugh Masekela.

“He said, ‘..every time I see you, you are stronger than before! Like the tree, the baobab, always growing and getting stronger even though it grows in the toughest soil.’”