'I have to be there’: Thulane ‘Toolz’ Hadebe splurges on Beyoncé for his birthday

Johannesburg food and travel influencer Thulane “Toolz” Hadebe has flown more than 17,000km to celebrate his birthday with Beyoncé in Los Angeles this weekend.

The popular restaurant reviewer and lifestyle vlogger known as “Yes, it’s me, Toolz” is filming a YouTube and TikTok series, Toolz in the City in New York, before flying to LA for a 48-hour whirlwind trip.

“When Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour dates came out and she would be performing on September 4 — my birthday and also her birthday — I thought, ‘I have to be there’',’ Hadebe told TshisaLIVE.

“It’s at SoFi Stadium and my ticket cost about $300 (R5,554), but it’s Beyoncé and it’s a once in a lifetime event, so I had to splurge. The best thing is not to convert everything into rand, think in dollars or else it can be overwhelming.”

Thulane began the trip with a close call, almost missing his flight to New York. “Luckily my dad and I barely made the flight. It was my first time travelling overseas since before Covid-19 and the lounge to the gate was far. We heard the final boarding call for us, so we ran like crazy to the gate.”

The influencer and PR brand consultant has three bits of advice for those interested in the social media space. “You have to keep content fresh and be truly authentic to yourself. Cultivate your community and love those around you, as it’s all about being social and showing appreciation. Last, give value — whether it’s educational or entertainment, add value to the experience.”

The soon to be 39-year-old Hadebe is scrambling to find a silver outfit for the concert. “As Beyoncé wants everyone to wear silver, I have to rethink my wardrobe, but I’ll come up with something special,” he said.

And if he meets his idol, what will he say to her?

“Besides almost fainting, I would say to Beyoncé, ‘I flew halfway around the world from South Africa because your music saved me, saved my life ... and your lyrics are a soundtrack to my journey on Earth'.”