In a music landscape brimming with fresh talent, one name stands out as a beacon of positivity and soulful artistry, Optimist Music ZA (born Thabo Musa) has been making waves in the Amapiano, Afro-house, and Soulful Pop scenes. With an unmistakable sound that fuses soulful vocals, melodic catchy hooks, and contemporary Afro-house beats, Optimist has carved a niche for himself as both a hitmaker and a storyteller.
The Breakout Moment
Every artist has that defining moment that propels them into the spotlight, and for Optimist, it was “French Kiss”, a 2020 smash hit that became a cultural phenomenon. Achieving Gold Certification and amassing 4.69 million streams across streaming platforms, the track cemented his place in the industry. Since then, Optimist has continued to dominate streaming platforms, boasting a staggering 23.9 million streams across platforms, inclusion in 764 playlists, and a playlist reach of 7.03 million.
Optimist’s rise has been fueled by strategic cooperation with some of the biggest names in the game. He has worked with industry heavyweights such as Kabza Da Small, DBN Gogo, Dinho, Tyla, TXC, Uncle Waffles, Tyler ICU, Musa Keys and Tony Duardo, demonstrating his versatility and ability to elevate any track he touches. His ability to seamlessly blend traditional South African sounds with contemporary production techniques has not only set him apart but has also positioned him as a frontrunner in the evolution of Amapiano.
Looking ahead, he has major projects on the horizon, including the highly anticipated single “Abo’Sergeant”, featuring El.Stephano and FKA Moses, which has already started generating buzz.