Artist Biography:
Branny Itumeleng Ramailane (aka Tumi Lane).

Tumi Lane, an R&B Musician from South Africa was born in Baragwana, Soweto where he grew up singing in church in the South African Townships of Soweto and Evaton before moving to inner city Jo’burg when he was 10 years old.

Tumi’s life has been punctuated with music, the melodic township gospel choirs of his primary years through the discipline of Operatic drama in his mid-teens and the freedom of hip-hop and beatbox in his rebellious and most informative years to the place where he belongs now – a place of soul / R&B in a unique part of our world – Jo’burg City!

Tumi experimented with gospel, opera and rap. When, he was 17, he was a winner on YFM’s Rap Activity Jam. His ability to excel at Opera singing thrust him into the spotlight, representing Gauteng at a National Schools Opera singing competition. Two years later, he participated in South Africa’s Project Fame Academy reality TV show.

After Project Fame, he travelled to Ghana where he worked on his 1st album and had appearances singing at Night Clubs and bars, premier among them ‘The Office’.

In Ghana, Tumi formed a dream band with Musicians such as guitarist – Mr. Young; Emmanuel Tagoe (Bass); Frank Kissi (Drums) and Johnny Nortey (who played with Osibisa).

He recorded most of his debut album, No Guarantee in Ghana. While completing his album in South Africa, he worked with Marcus Wyatt (Trumpet), Tlale Makhene (Percussionist), Darren ‘Redwood’ Margo (scratch artist); RJ Benjamin and Lira (both singers).

Tumi’s 1st album, No Guarantee broke new personal grounds and was received with great critical acclaim and 2008 SAMA nominations for best newcomer & Best R&B Album together with a best video (R&B) nomination at the Channel O Music Video Awards for “Give Me You”.

Tumi has continued and developed his musical journey, allow him to take you on a ride through the ‘City of Gold – The beats, the sounds, the rhythms of Egoli, whether personally, intimately or shared with family and friends, experience them as it is felt by him each and every day.

Personality Traits:
Tumi is an extremely hardworking individual who believe that hard work is the key to achieving success. He is very conscious and self-disciplined in the aim of achieving his dreams and goals. Tumi is creative (appreciative of art and emotion) and aware of his feelings when it comes to music.
He tends to be enthusiastic and have positive energy / optimistic views at all times. Tumi possesses leadership qualities always trying to motivate and guide people through his enthusiastic ways. He has a “Yes!" or "Let's go!" attitude to opportunities.
Tumi’s characteristics profile includes qualities such as humbleness, calm strength, pleasantness and friendliness, helpfulness and generosity; as well as peaceful ways.

Awards:
 2008 SAMA nominations for best newcomer & Best R&B Album.
 Best video (R&B) nomination at the Channel O Music Video Awards for “Give Me You”.