Tamara Dey Named Godmother for South African Lady of the House Demo Contest

For over two decades, Tamara Dey has been a force in South Africa’s music scene, captivating dance floors with her signature voice and electrifying stage presence. From her early kwaito hits to her experimental work with Flash Republic, Tamara has built a career defined by boundary-breaking sounds and fearless cultural expression.

Now, she takes on a new and meaningful role as godmother for the South African edition of the Lady of the House (LOTH) demo contest. This initiative celebrates and uplifts women and non-binary creatives within the global dance music industry.

Joining an esteemed group of South African godmothers that includes Gigi Lamayne, Namakau Star, Shamiso, and Money Badoo, Tamara will help select four emerging dance music artists for career-changing opportunities. The contest focuses on providing visibility, resources, and industry connections to underrepresented voices.

Reflecting on her journey, Tamara expresses gratitude for the women who helped shape her career. She emphasizes the need for equity and inclusion in South Africa’s creative spaces, particularly for women and LGBTQ+ communities who have been instrumental in the growth of dance music culture.

Tamara’s involvement highlights the core mission of the campaign: preserving the power and spirit of the dance floor as a place of resistance, unity, and healing. She aims to identify artists whose production and songwriting showcase South Africa’s rich storytelling tradition through dance music.

Laila McKenzie, founder of Lady of the House, describes Tamara as a symbol of legacy, innovation, and empowerment. According to McKenzie, Tamara’s appointment sends a clear message that the movement is both inclusive and transformative, offering emerging artists a platform to shine.

Powered by Jägermeister’s SAVE THE NIGHT platform, the contest offers selected artists a host of career-building prizes. These include an official release on Lady of the House Records with promotional backing, DJ and production tools from Beatport and TribeXR, a scholarship to Pete Tong’s DJ Academy, a professional photo shoot, mentorship from top industry figures, and access to a global creative network supported by Gray Area and Broadwick Live.

With global partners like Broadwick Live—known for iconic venues like Printworks—and Gray Area, the competition provides South African talent with direct access to international audiences eager for fresh, diverse African dance sounds.

Entries are currently open on LabelRadar and will close on July 17, 2025. Tamara Dey encourages all aspiring artists to seize this moment and share their unique voices with the world.

“This is about legacy,” says Tamara. “The next generation deserves to be heard.”