The media often portrays the Northern areas of Port Elizabeth in a very negative light. We rarely get to see the positives in the Northern areas.
Growing up in the Northern areas myself, it is not hard to see why it is often portrayed as dangerous and crime-ridden, but there are so many positives here as well. So many talented, goal-driven, positive people reside in the streets of the Northern areas. Taren Carolus is one of them.
Singer/ songwriter Taren Sakina Carolus (28) lives in Bethelsdorp, Port Elizabeth. Her school career started at Park Side Primary and she attended high school at Saint Thomas Senior Secondary School.
Growing up in a household filled with a love for music, it is not hard to see where she gets her passion from.
However, Taren did not always have the support from her parents as she does today. “ My mom had a hard time accepting that this would be my career. She could not see how this could provide me with a decent living. I had to persuade her to come and watch me perform but ever since then she has been in my corner, cheering me on”, says Taren. Mrs Carolus agrees with this she says “ At first I did have my doubts, not because I didn’t think Taren is good enough but because very few people actually make it in the music industry, especially in South Africa, but she proved me wrong”.
When it comes to Tarens music there is no specific genre. Her music ranges from RnB, Rap, Hip hop, House and Amapiano music. What made Taren famous is her rapping. Female rappers are so rare in South Africa and Taren managed to get her name out there as one. She is not known as Taren the singer but rather as Taren the Rapper.
No matter what the genre she sings/ writes one thing is evident in them all. It is that her songs are full of passion. When asked to describe the music that she typically creates Taren replies “ It has to come from the heart or simply through life experiences. It’s not the norm that you would typically hear, but it definitely has a little bit of everything for everyone”. Which is true, her music is so relatable.
A perfect example would be “Can you feel” ft DJ T.S.U.
Can you feel was performed by Taren at the Imibala Music Festival 2020 in Johannesburg. The Imibala music festival is an NPO initiative which features both South African and international artists. Taren describes the experience as “super magical”.
Apart from music Taren has also ventured into becoming a brand ambassador for various companies. These companies include: NKD underwear, Boho sevety shop and Leibl LLarentius.
Tarens future plans consist of starting her own business and finding ways to empower other young women. Despite the fact that she did not further her studies after high school as her parents had wished, Taren has made a good life for herself. Her music career is flourishing and with all the brands she’s been representing and collaborating with it is evident that this star does not need formal education, she knows how to use her brains, always thinking outside the box and pursuing her goals.
When asked how COVID-19 has impacted her life and music career Taren said “ COVID-19 has been tough. Constantly having to hear that someone didn’t make it has been draining. My career as a singer/ song writer has taken a dent as well. Not being able to perform at shows and in front of a live audience has been difficult as well, but technology has helped a lot. We now get to perform live and still have a audience even if it is through devices such as TVs, cell phones, laptops, like we did with the Imibala Music festival. This has also been a very productive time for me, in terms of writing music, so there has been some positives during this time”.
Fans of the talented Taren Carolus will also be pleased to hear that she is working on a long awaited extended play (EP) which will consist of 7 tracks.
To catch a glimpse of Taren you can visit her:
Instagram: @tarencarolusofficial
Facebook: Taren Carolus official
YouTube: Taren Carolus
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