At 19, while au-pairing in Europe, Tatum followed her dream of travelling. After buying her first ukulele in Italy, she started busking on the streets of Modena to support her travels. That small step allowed her to fund her solo adventures, and taught her something profound: music has a unique power to connect, tell stories, and heal.
When she came back, while studying and working as a bartender for Big Night Out Productions, her friend connected her with their event organiser, Rowan Clelland. “He believed in me and gave me the chance to perform on stage as an opening artist for one of his events, my very first live performance at the Gin & Tonic Festival at Chris Saunders Park!”
Tatum’s love for music runs deep: “I would sing in my bedroom, with my bird perched on my shoulder, and play hundreds of melodies and songs, on my out-of-tune piano and rusty guitar strings, never imagining they would see the light of day.”
Sound & Inspirations
“I believe my sound is universal and meant to be experienced rather than explained. I would say it has an Indie Afro-folk feel.” She explains, “A friend of mine described my music as sounding like the word marmoris – a Latin term referring to the shimmering surface of the sea.”
“I’ve grown up with my dad as a jazz musician and saxophonist, and my mama constantly had the radio playing in the background, playing Mango Groove, Johnny Clegg, Lira, Cher, Lana Del Rey, Miriam Makeba, Mumford & Sons … and I had a major crush on Enrique Iglesias!”
“There’s something incredibly special about our multicultural community; vibrant, welcoming, and open-hearted, which has given me the freedom to grow and express my unique style in my music,” she says. Even if there are multiple spoken languages, music is the language that brings everyone together!
Shows & Festivals
Most recently, she joined the Dreaming Out Loud Tour with Neon Dreams, Booshle G, Ross Learmonth, and Majozi, and also toured with Billy Raffoul in 2025. A firm favourite is the Splashy Fen Festival, and then opening for South African artists such as Matthew Mole, Jeremy Loops, and The Parlotones.
What’s Next?
A music video and short film inspired by her song, “Umama”, in collaboration with Thandeka and Lihle Sokhulu, filmed by Calvin Thompson and Timothy Hay. Tatum also released a song called “Honey,” a collaboration with Booshle G and international artist Billy Raffoul, with whom she will tour again until 11 April 2026, and most importantly, she’s in the process of recording a full debut album – a milestone she’s been dreaming of for years and cannot wait to share.
Instagram: tatum_tides
Words by: Elvida Sydney
Photographer: Courtney Warren Photography