biography
Tanja Storm is a South African singer-songwriter, performer, musical director, and music publisher with over two decades of experience in the industry. Her path has been shaped by a blend of private tuition and self-directed learning; marked by independence, creative resilience, and a long-standing commitment to authentic musical expression.
EARLY CAREER AND CREATIVE DRIVE
Born in Cape Town and later relocating to Mossel Bay on the scenic Garden Route, Tanja began her musical journey independently. At the time, the town offered limited opportunities, and with little access to industry infrastructure or digital resources, she learned to create momentum from the ground up. While still at school, she formed her first band and combined her strengths in music and dance to establish herself as a performer.
She began performing with backing tracks before forming a live cover band, appearing at weddings, festivals, gala events, wine tastings, and theatre venues. Her work gradually expanded into solo piano performances, duos, and original productions, laying the foundation for a diverse and sustainable career.
original work and recognition
Her 2009 debut album showcased original work in both Afrikaans and English. In 2019, her album Ek is Oppad received national acclaim, with singles such as Môreson and Grootste Wens enjoying radio play and media coverage in Huisgenoot, Rooi Rose, Vrouekeur, and more other publications.
Subsequent original releases continued to gain traction, including standalone singles, a documentary theme song, and charting tracks such as Wicked Games and Empty Promises.
STAGE PRODUCTIONS AND TRIBUTE SHOWS
In addition to her work as a recording artist, Tanja is an experienced musical director and producer. Her Eva Cassidy Tribute Show – The Eva Cassidy Story received exceptional reviews and strong audience response nationwide. Other touring productions include Rockolution – The Evolution of Rock, as well as Women Who Rock, Bella-Blue: A Cabaret, and Join the Joyride: A Roxette Tribute, and Ballads, Blues & Beautiful Music – each reflecting her focus on musical storytelling and cohesive stagecraft.
COLLABORATIONS AND COMMUNITY
Over the years, Tanja has shared stages with artists including Duncan Faure (Rabbitt), Anton Goosen, Mel Botes, Heather Waters, Gaston Lehman, Basson Laubscher, Simon Orange (Blues Broers), and Albert Meintjes (Scicoustic). She has performed at venues and festivals such as Die Boer, Barnyard Theatre, Atterbury Theatre, Hillcrest Quarry, Café Roux, The Drama Factory, KKNK, and STRAB (Mozambique).
Behind the scenes, she has also curated and managed live music events, including the seasonal Diaz Beach Hotel shows and the Klanke, Kultuur & Kaggelkos events in Boggomsbaai – creating platforms that support collaboration and showcase South African talent.
CURRENT PROJECTS
Tanja’s latest venture is HORISON, a contemporary duo launched in 2024, blending two unique voices and a fresh sound within the evolving South African music scene.
ADDITIONAL WORK AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT
Alongside her performance career, Tanja has provided private vocal tuition and manages music publishing activities.
She actively supports local initiatives such as ODIN, SAPREC, and SMART, with a focus on animal welfare and conservation.
Driven by passion, persistence, and a refusal to settle, Tanja continues to carve her creative path.
“I learned early that waiting for permission wasn’t an option – and neither was playing small. Building something meaningful required showing up consistently and doing the work.”
tanjastorm.co.za 