Itumeleng Ramailane, better known as Tumi, is a newcomer on the South African music scene that plays like a veteran. His debut album,”No Guarantee“, is a soulful mix of R&B and funk. Tumi’s voice is like silky chocolate, embracing the notes and drawing them smoothly over your eardrums like a sinfully delightful dessert.

Tumi is extremely versatile and has sang opera, performed with Johnny Nortey of the group, Osibisa, while he lived in Ghana, and been the winner of the Rap Activity Jam on YFM. Only true talent can achieve that. He was nominated for the Newcomer Award in the South African Music Awards (SAMA) in 2008. He didn’t win this time but we expect great things in the future.

The album is his freshman journey into music production. He wrote the songs and it took him 3 years to get it out. The overall tone of the album is a kick-back-and-relax sort of attitude. “Ain’t No Good” has him capturing Stevie Wonder’s style, while “Honey” has him begging his girl to understand how much he loves her. Why has a foot-tapping, syncopated beat and he reassures in Lullaby. Overall, No Guarantee guarantees to be a good listen on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

To learn more about him, visit his website.