Tim was born and raised in a musical family in Pietermaritzburg. “In 2006, like most 10-year-old kids, I asked for an Xbox for Christmas, but I got a saxophone, which I was much happier about and can never thank my parents enough.” In the afternoons, while everyone was at sports practice, he would either be practising the saxophone, the drums, or learning to produce music on FL Studio. He was also part of the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Wind Band. He travelled to Germany, China, Mauritius, and played at Carnegie Hall in New York with them.
Tim’s career started in 2016 after he left university to pursue music full-time. Over the next four years, he teamed up with various DJs such as Amigo Santana and Ryan Stylz, and played private events and weddings.
In 2021, he signed his first song, “Just Be Here”, with Universal Music Group, with Matt Davies. In 2024, he bought a property in Durban North where he lives with his wife and five fur-kids. He has also been travelling regularly, playing multiple shows every week. “As I type this, I’m on a plane from Hong Kong to Bali, which is Matt’s and my first international tour,” he says.
Sound & Inspirations
Tim’s earliest inspirations were Goldfish and Mi Casa. He is also a big fan of Hans Zimmer, Rufus Du Sol, and, funnily enough, Linkin Park. He grew up listening to a lot of Supertramp, Bee Gees, and later on Skrillex, Daft Punk, and Muse. “I think the connection between all of these artists is that their music is a lot deeper than your typical pop tracks.”
Shows & Festivals
“This year will be my eighth Splashy Fen performance, which has always been a highlight for me.” In 2016, Tim performed to 20,000 people with TiMO ODV at ECR Durban Day, and in 2023, he performed with Blxckie at Jo’burg Day. One of his more recent highlights was the “Luxurious Marble Circus” in Jo’burg and “Anywhere In Your City” last year, also with Matt Davies. “One day, I’d love to visit the dance capital of the world, Ibiza, and more locally I’d really love to be part of Shimza’s ‘Kunye’”.
What’s Next?
“I’m currently renovating my cottage at home into a music studio, and when I get back from Bali, I’ll be working with an artist from Philadelphia to produce her entire album. I’ll also be working on some of my own new music, and I have some exciting new features coming out soon.”
Instagram: timlewismusic
Words by: Elvida Sydney
Photographer: Senzo Austin