#90: Blessing Tshifularo (bleee.t)
We're joined by trailblazing musician, Blessing Tshifularo, aka 'bleee.t', who tells us more about sexy 70s funk/disco basslines, Metaphysics & spiritual science, Puma ballerina pumps, and more.
Blessing Tshifularo, better known by the stage name bleee.t, is a trailblazing 19-year-old musician whose artistry transcends genres. Beginning their music career as a bassist at just 17, bleee.t quickly established themselves as a versatile and skilled performer. From playing their first major gig at the Homecoming Festival at 17 to gracing stages like House of Vans and Basha Uhuru, bleee.t’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. In just over a year, they’ve performed at over 30 events, cementing their reputation as one of South Africa’s most promising young talents.
Beyond their solo work, bleee.t has toured Cape Town and Durban as a session bassist, collaborating with numerous musicians and becoming a sought-after “hugging bassist” for live performances. Their experiences in diverse musical settings have shaped their unique sound, rooted in alternative, indie, 90s grunge, and dream pop, with influences of folk and traditional Maskandi. At the heart of bleee.t’s music is the bass guitar, their chosen instrument, which they wield to create melodic and emotive soundscapes.
As a solo artist, bleee.t has captivated audiences with performances at notable venues such as Untitled Basement Alley, where they performed alongside acts like Kujenga and Internet Athi. Their music blends the introspective beauty of Hope Sandoval and Angel Olsen with the rhythmic richness of 70s disco, funk, and traditional South African Maskandi, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
With a deep love for the bass guitar and an ever-expanding repertoire, bleee.t’s music is a testament to their diverse inspirations and boundary-pushing creativity. Their bass-driven melodies, dreamy vocals, and genre-defying compositions promise a future as dynamic as their sound. Bleee.t is a rising star to watch—an artist who redefines the role of the bassist and bridges worlds through their innovative, soul-stirring music.
We welcome bleee.t to The FRM Newsletter to share what she’s been into recently!
🎸🇯🇲 Music
Oh where do I even begin. We’ll sit here for hours if I had to go through all my favourites, but to keep it simple I’ll tell you about what I have been currently listening to on repeat as of this moment. Strangely enough I’ve been obsessed with those Youtube accounts that post unreleased music and I stream the youtube music on an app called ‘Silence Music’. my on repeat tracks have been some old reggae/lovers Rock songs like “Rock ya - Patrix” and “Good to you- Calvin”. Also a longtime Alternative favourite of mine is ‘”Ride or Die- Nitefire” it has such a nostalgic 80s/90s pop sound with all the synths and don’t get me started on that Bassline!!!
On the other hand, my go to is always a good 70s funk/disco song with a sexy bassline for me to learn and obsess over, one of those currently being by the ‘Slide- by Slave’. And finally another obsession of mine as of late, has been the ‘Another side’ album by Fingers Inc, specifically the song ‘Love of My own- Fingers Inc’ love a sexy 80s/ 90s electronic club song.
🌿🎬 Film
Films are another topic I can spend hours on, however Ill mention the ones I've re-watched over 10 times and will never get bored of them. Dazed and Confused 1993 duh, Coraline is a comfort movie, and a guilty but valid pleasure of mine is the entire Twilight series especially in winter/autumn or on a rainy day. An honorable mention would be Suzume by Makoto Shinkai, it’s a phenomenal piece of art, the animation and meticulous attention to detail, the themes and story line. Such a wholesome watch. The first time I watched I was cuddled up in bed and on shrooms lmao, the experience was magical!!!
📚 Books
I've been currently reading ‘Parallel Universes of self by Frederick E. Dodson”. I'm heavily influenced by Metaphysics and spiritual science and the power of the mind its changed my life. This piece of literature, amongst many, has been extremely eye opening and has heavily impacted my perspective on reality and esoteric wisdom. I need to shout out ‘@neroknowledge’ for this book recommendation. This wise young man has transformed my way of thinking and put of lot of pieces together for me, I am religiously tuned into his youtube channel and website.
👖🥿 Fashion
I am a die hard Chunky platform shoe girly, the taller the platform the closer to God right. I need platforms in all shapes and sizes. I have acquired quite the collection thus far and it will continue to grow. However surprisingly in contrast something I’ve beeeen obsessed with as of late are the Asics and Puma ballerina pumps, as well as the knee length lace up Adidas boxer boots!! need me a pair of those Asap.
In a addition clothing wise, my style icons are Isabella Vrana, I adore the simplicity and elegance of Both her clothing line as well as her overall style. Im very insipred by late 90s/early 2000s fashion with a modern twist. Currently ive been collecting anything and everything lowrise. Especially a pair of lowrise wide leg 3/4 denim jeans!!!! I need that. If I had to sum up my current style in 3 people it would be the elegant vintage pieces by Isabella Vrana, the boat neck tops, jeans and skirts that @vadavada111 on Tiktok wears, and the edgy/sultry Gothic style of @avelheart on Tiktok and Instagram.