CORNELIUS OLIFANT

Thabiso Cornelius Olifant, popularly known as Cornelius Olifant, is a singer-songwriter and multi instrumentalist. Currently based in Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa, he was born and raised in Pretoria he has always had an interest in music. He started learning piano from a friend and guitar from his sister. His sister showed him two guitar chords and he took it from there, reading books and watching YouTube tutorials to improve his playing . He believes that his love for music has elevated because of learning to play instruments. He has continued to pursue music, as it is both therapy and an outlet for his feelings. The amazing people he has met through music also play a big role in the choice.

Starting out as an instrumentalist for other musicians and bands Cornelius Olifant soon began pursuing his own solo music career. He says the time he spent playing for other musicians helped him grow and was something he found enjoyable. Outside of music the creative would be keen on a career in film as anything that involves art interests him.

He started playing in 2015, and began playing professionally in 2016. He got his start in the industry when he played for a local Bloemfontein band called “ l, from there he met more people and musicians, and started playing for more bands. His skill was soon recognized and he is now a highly sought after instrumentalist by some of the top bands in the region. He has played for the Ankh’sestars, BasicCity, Royal Heka’at, Magine and BKNGGG. He has performed at the renowned PACOFS.

Cornelius Olifant is currently working on original music with his first song “Ghost” slated to release on the 5th of March 2023. The creative says his influences are Queen, Frank Ocean, Michael Jackson, Steve Lacy, Kendrick Lamar and FKJ, and cites Kendrick Lamar as one of the people he looks up to in the industry. He has also featured on M. Rumbi’s 3-track single “Self”.

His sound is a blend of indie and alternative RnB sound with hints of Steve Lacy, Frank Ocean with his piano pieces sounding similar to Ruichi Sakamoto. His own music is influenced by what he listens to, to what he jams to and even just what emotions he is feeling at the time. His music is meant to be relatable, a clear picture, with an ethereal feel because of his preferred sounds.

In his free time Cornelius makes music and dabbles in other art forms. He also draws and does filming. A part of the non-profit organisation 56 Tambo, it helps create jobs for the youth and create an art space for music and other art forms.

The creative seeks to reach his full potential as a musician while inspiring others. He would like his art to make artists and he aims to pursue music without limits.