Giving a Voice to the Purple Colour
At 45, Thembisa-born creative **Michael T. Maimane**, professionally known as **TBT The Black Trumpet**, is pursuing a musical dream he has carried for decades. Through music and creative expression, he aims to tell his story, celebrate his roots, inspire fellow creatives and raise awareness about community challenges, gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide.
ROOTED IN THEMBISA
Born at Thembisa Hospital, Maimane grew up in Mpho and Lekaneng sections before moving to Tsepo Extension. His journey began with a childhood love for music, performing for friends who followed him through the streets as his makeshift backup crew. Inspired by Michael Jackson, he sang and imitated the legendary entertainer’s dance moves, unknowingly laying the foundation for a lifelong passion.
After matriculating from Elite College in Kempton Park in 1999, Maimane pursued his interests in Sound Engineering and Video Production before studying Information Technology. These disciplines reflect his combined passion for music, technology and storytelling.
His musical journey also included performing with a group called Solid Crew at community events such as Miss Hospital View, giving him early experience as a performer.
THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME
The name **TBT The Black Trumpet** carries a memorable childhood story. At approximately 11 years old, Maimane borrowed a neighbour’s trumpet without permission, believing it belonged to his friend’s family. He later discovered that the instrument belonged to the neighbour’s grandparents and had been used by their church choir.
What began as a childhood mistake eventually became part of the identity he carries as an artist. Today, the trumpet represents a meaningful connection between his past, his passion for music and the creative journey he is pursuin
A DREAM THAT NEVER EXPIRED
At 45, Maimane is stepping into a new chapter, demonstrating that age does not have to determine when a person pursues a dream. His journey reflects perseverance, self-belief and the courage to begin again, even after years of waiting.
His message to aspiring musicians, artists and creatives is simple: **Do not allow age, circumstances or gatekeepers to decide when your dream is over. Believe in yourself, embrace your journey and take the steps needed to bring your vision to life.**
MUSIC WITH A MESSAGE
For TBT The Black Trumpet, music is more than entertainment. It is an opportunity to express personal experiences, connect with audiences and encourage conversations about issues affecting South African communities.
His interest in gender-based violence and femicide reflects a desire to use creative expression to promote awareness, respect, accountability and positive change. Through thoughtful storytelling, he hopes to contribute to conversations that challenge violence and encourage communities to stand against abuse.
His creative vision is captured in the phrase **“Giving a Voice to the Purple Colour,”** a distinctive theme within his artistic identity.
FROM THEMBISA TO THE WORLD
Through **Black Trumpet Media**, a creative platform spanning artist development, music, publishing and creative services, Maimane is working to bring his artistic interests together and reach audiences beyond his hometown.
His story is one of roots, resilience and renewed ambition. From a young boy singing in the streets of Thembisa to an adult pursuing his musical calling, his journey reminds others that creative dreams can evolve without losing their meaning.
The boy who once returned a borrowed trumpet in shame has turned that memory into his stage name. The man who waited almost 20 years to release his music is now encouraging others not to wait for permission to believe in themselves.
His journey is still unfolding, but his message is clear: **You do not have to be young to begin, famous to matter, or given permission to pursue your dream.**
From Thembisa to South Africa, and with his sights set on the world, TBT The Black Trumpet is ready to give his story a voice.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
TBT The Black Trumpet — Michael T. Maimane
Musician • Songwriter • Producer • Author • Poet • Creative Entrepreneur
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Author: Michael Maimane from Black trumpet media (Pty)Ltd. on behalf of TBT The Black Trumpet.
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