Afro-pop singer Tshepie is preparing to introduce listeners to her upcoming single Hello, a feel-good track inspired by the simple yet powerful act of greeting one another. Rooted in the values of respect, humanity and connection often associated with the spirit of Ubuntu, the song highlights how small everyday gestures can bring people together. Hailing from KwaThema in Springs, the singer — whose real name is Tshepiso Masilo — blends soulful vocals with heartwarming storytelling, drawing inspiration from artists such as Zama Jobe, Ami Faku and the late Sibongile Khumalo. Before stepping into the digital music space, her music had already begun circulating organically within her community, building early buzz among listeners. With Hello set for release on 27 March 2026 and will be available on all major streaming platforms, Tshepie hopes the song’s uplifting message will resonate with audiences and remind people of the power of simple human connection. In this exclusive interview with Africa Jamz FM News, we speak to Tshepie about the inspiration behind Hello, her musical journey, and the message she hopes listeners will take from the song. The official artwork for Tshepie’s new single, ‘Hello’. Picture: Supplied Inspiration behind Hello As the conversation gets underway, Tshepie shares the inspiration behind transforming such a simple, everyday moment into a song, and the message she hopes listeners will take away from it. “Hello was inspired by something very simple that we often overlook: the sincere greeting of one another. Growing up, greeting people in the community was always encouraged. It was a sign of respect, kindness, and acknowledgment of another person’s presence. I realised that such a small moment can actually make someone feel seen and valued. The message behind the song is really about reminding people that connection starts with the smallest gestures. A simple greeting can brighten someone’s day and strengthen the sense of community between people,” said Tshepie. A simple Hello, A deeper meaning In many African communities, greeting someone is seen as a sign of respect and humanity. Tshepie speaks about Hello reflects the spirit of Ubuntu and the importance of human connection in today’s world. Hello reflects the spirit of Ubuntu because it celebrates the idea that we are all connected and that our humanity is tied to how we treat one another. In many African cultures, greeting someone is more than just saying a word—it’s acknowledging their humanity and showing respect. In a world where people can sometimes feel disconnected or too busy for one another, the song serves as a reminder that those small cultural values still matter. Something as simple as greeting someone can bring warmth, kindness, and unity back into everyday life,” said Tshepie. The inspiration behind Tshepie’s ‘Hello’ comes from her own life. Picture: Supplied The emotions behind Hello Carrying a warm, uplifting vibe, the track is deeply personal. Tshepie reflects on the emotions and life experiences that inspired the making of Hello. “The emotions behind the song come from the environment I grew up in. In my community, people greet each other, talk to one another, and check in on each other, even in passing. Those everyday interactions create a feeling of warmth and belonging. When creating the song, I wanted to capture that feeling—it’s the comfort of community and the happiness that comes from simple human connection. It’s a real feel-good song, but it’s also rooted in genuine experiences of growing up in a place where people still value those interactions,” said Tshepie. Where it all began Before any official releases, Tshepie’s music had already found its way through her community in KwaThema. She shares how that early backing helped fuel her confidence and shape her artistic journey. “That early support meant a lot to me because it was very organic. My music started spreading through friends and people in the community sharing it with each other. Even though those songs were never officially released, hearing that people were requesting them or passing them around gave me a lot of encouragement. It made me realise that my voice and my music were connecting with people on a real level. That support from home gave me the confidence to take music more seriously and start preparing official releases,” said Tshepie. With the release around the corner, Tshepie hopes listeners take in both the song and the meaning behind it. Picture: Supplied Hello’s touching message As our chat comes to an end, Tshepie opens up about what she hopes people will feel and carry with them after hearing “Hello” for the very first time. “I hope people feel good when they hear it. It’s meant to be uplifting and warm. But beyond that, I hope it reminds people of the importance of acknowledging one another and keeping that spirit of community alive. Sometimes life moves fast, and we forget the small things that bring us together. If someone hears the song and it encourages them to greet someone with kindness or simply appreciate the people around them, then the message of the song has done its job,” said Tshepie. HAVE YOU READ THIS ONE?: Siyabonga Ntshangase: The Man Transforming Katlehong Youth and Lighting Up the Stage Post navigation Kelsey Maggott Shines Bright With Powerful Release “Firefly”
