biography
Tanja Storm is a South African singer-songwriter, performer, musical director, and music publisher with over two decades of experience in the industry. A combination of private tuition and being self-teaching shaped her path – marked by bold decisions, creative resilience, and a deep-rooted passion for authentic music.
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 was still small, with limited opportunities—and in an era of dial-up internet—she carved her path from scratch: forming her first band while still in school and combining her skills in music and dance to build an independent career.
She started with backing tracks, eventually forming a live cover band, and performed across weddings, festivals, gala events, wine tastings, and theatre venues. Soon, she ventured into solo piano performances, duos, and original shows.
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 like Môreson and Grootste Wens gaining radio play and coverage in Huisgenoot, Rooi Rose, Vrouekeur, and more.
Tanja’s original releases continued to gain traction, including several singles, the theme song for a documentary, and charting tracks like Wicked Games and Empty Promises.
STAGE PRODUCTIONS AND TRIBUTE SHOWS
Tanja is also a seasoned musical director and producer. Her Eva Cassidy Tribute Show, The Eva Cassidy Story, received exceptional reviews and ratings nationwide. Other productions like Rockolution – The Evolution of Rock have toured across South Africa, showcasing her flair for storytelling and stagecraft. Other productions include: Women Who Rock, Bella-Blue: a Cabaret, and a Roxette Tribute
COLLABORATIONS AND COMMUNITY
She has shared stages with renowned artists such as 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 notable venues and festivals including Die Boer, Barnyard Theatre, Atterbury Theatre, Hillcrest Quarry, Café Roux, The Drama Factory and STRAB (Mozambique) Behind the scenes, Tanja has organised and managed events including the seasonal Diaz Beach Hotel shows and the Klanke, Kultuur & Kaggelkos events in Boggomsbaai —curating lineups and creating platforms for fellow artists.
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
Beyond live performance and songwriting, she provided private tuition in vocals and handles music publishing.
She supports various local causes, including ODIN, SAPREC, and SMART, focusing on animal welfare and conservation.
Her early career was marked by a lack of access to mentors and industry support. Despite those challenges, her journey became a slow snowball effect—driven by passion, persistence, and a refusal to settle.
“I bulldozed my way into this world—because playing small just wasn’t an option.”
tanjastorm.co.za 