When Tamzene first hit Dingwall High Street to busk with her acoustic guitar, she was not thinking about fame or fortune. Instead, the 14-year-old was nervously checking her mum was still “window shopping” nearby. “She wasn’t allowed to go into any shops,” the Cromarty singer-songwriter admitted still remembering the nerves.
“She had to window shop so I could see her. That’s how I got over my first hurdle busking and probably the first few in Inverness as well.” After one session, Tamzene swapped Dingwall for Inverness High Street due to the bigger population and better bus links and continued busking for years.
Since then, she has supported the likes of Sir Tom Jones, Katie Melua, and Adele and has appeared at festivals like and TRNSMT. But in many ways, it first started at the old piano in her family living room with a candid ballad. A raw and “pure” moment which propelled Tamzene into the spotlight and one she is excited to get back to exploring after a turbulent few years.
Tamzene’s childhood in Cromarty filled with rhythm and music Born in but brought up in Cromarty not far from – a favourite spot of Tamzene’s – her childhood was filled with music, love and encouragement. One of three, between her mum and step-dad, she was immersed in a world of rhythm and music. Her step-dad Campbell was a sax player and ran a few swing and salsa bands while Tamzene’s mum Jermaine, who now lives in Jamaica, was a former double-bass player with a love for sa.