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Branny Itumeleng Ramailane, Tumi for short, is an R&B musician from South Africa.
This born and bred Jozi crooner grew up singing in church back in the South African townships, Soweto and Evaton. He experimented with opera, gospel and rap. When he was 17, he was a winner on YFM's Rap Activity Jam. His ability to excel at opera singing thrust him into the spotlight, representing Gauteng at a National Schools opera singing competition. Two years later, he participated in South Africa’s Project Fame Academy reality television show.
After his stint on Fame, he travelled to Ghana where he worked on his album and had appearances singing at night clubs and bars, premier among them being the Office. His relationships with other musicians there helped him find a dream band with musicians like guitarist Mr Young, Emmanuel Tagoe (bass), Frank Kissi (drums), and Johnny 'fingers' Nortey (who also played with Osibisa).
He recorded most of his debut album, No Guarantee, in Ghana under the watch of Rick Wright (J2 Records). While polishing his album in South Africa, he worked with Marcus Wyatt (trumpet), Tlale Makhene (percussionist), Darren 'Redwood' Margo (scratch artist), R.J.Benjamin and Lira (both singers). Even though it is rhythm and blues (and jazzy), African percussions are paramount on the record and Tumi strives to create his own unique sound that is naturally 'African'. The album is named 'No Guarantee' because Tumi believes in a way of living that is all about integrity, grabbing the moment, living with eyes wide open, and being in the moment.
Some of his songs include Trapped, Played, You are here, Ain't no good for you, Cruizin, Can I make you love me, Gotta be this way, Love you girl, Here I am, Tell me why, Lullaby, etc