#MusicExchange: The Voice SA top 12 finalist Ramelo releases debut single "Heyi Wena"

The musician hails from Durban but has lived in Johannesburg for the past 10 years. Ramelo rose to notoriety when she appeared in the third season of the reality TV singing competition The Voice SA in 2019 - as one of the top 12 finalists.

According to Ramelo, the main inspiration for her single was that 2020 was “a year of many harsh realisations”.

“As an artist, I felt like no one really cared about the way Covid-19 affected our careers and how we all lost our main and in some instances only source of income. As a woman, I felt like the fight against GBV wasn’t being fought consciously by the majority and seemed to be a passing phase coming and going according to the wave of tragic incidents reported on the news. However, I saw artists reach out of their comfort zones to find different ways to survive and keep themselves afloat. ”Heyiwena” is saying: “Hey you! In spite of the injustices of life, we conquer still, we’re ready and ‘fired up’ for whatever life brings,” she says.

We talked last week.

The new decade means:

That I’m getting old! LOL.

Fame is about:

Everyone assuming they know you.

Retirement will happen when:

I’ve given my parents all they desire.

I don't do:

Heels at Montecasino.

What does music mean to you?

Freedom to be who I really am and fulfil my potential.

My music is about:

People, love, realities of life.

I would love to co-write with:

Adele; she is a true musical icon.

Where do you go for inspiration to create?

Singing in the shower works best for me.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

When people actually like what I’ve created.

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“One and Only” by Adele.

Any funny moments on stage:

Missing my entrance because of having fat chats off stage.

My style icon:

Jennifer Lopez.

Which living person do you admire most and why?

My Dad; he’s the epitome of a hands-on father and the most optimistic person I know.

What is your most treasured possession?

My journal.

It’s your round, what are you drinking?

Cola tonic and ginger ale; I’m a cheap date.

What makes you stand out?

I don’t, really; most of the time I just blend in and seem to catch people by surprise when I open my mouth to sing.

Nicknames:

Mpume, Pume, Pooms.

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

I’d be a teacher or a nurse or a psychiatrist.

Who would play you in a Hollywood blockbuster and why?

Cynthia Erivo; she’s about my height and she can play anyone, in almost any accent and girl can saaaaaaaang (sic)!

Pick five words to describe yourself?

OCD, foodie, calm, patient, prayer warrior.

Five favourite SA albums of all time: 

Thandiswa Mazwai - Zabalaza
Sibongile Khumalo - Live At The Market Theatre
TKZee - Halloween
Zamajobe - Ndawo Yami
KB - Beautiful Vibrations

What song changed your life?

“Dream Lover” by Mariah Carey. I won my first singing competition with this song.

What is your favourite word?

Ummmm…

Favourite fashion garment:

My pyjamas

Top of your bucket list:

Skydiving.

Your greatest achievement:

Winning a Naledi Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical.

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Flying cockroaches.

On stage, I tend to: 

Zone into my alter ego.

Do you do charity work and, if you do, what do you do?

I don’t do any official charity work but I do give when I can. Please reach out to me.

Wishes and dreams:

My dream is to have a successful career as a recording artist and to create a legacy that my family can be proud of.

Social media:

Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | TikTok @ramelo_artist