HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Following The Beat of My Own Drum
I was born in the vibrant, colourful and culturally rich city of Johannesburg, South Africa, this undoubtedly laid the foundation for my exciting and eclectic artist journey. I grew up listening to the sounds of soulful artists such as Adele, Amy Winehouse, & Jazz’s First Lady, Ella Fitzgerald whilst also keeping up with current trends and sounds from pioneers and musical innovators especially in South Africa where new music was being created and born. I have been lucky enough to be a part of that unique sound. With inspiration and lessons from incredible artists, the remarkable places I have visited coupled with my extensive music education, I began writing songs that combine honest, storytelling and deeply personal lyrics with inflections of the blues, warm sonic tones and all of my heart.
I am no stranger to taking to the stage either. I’ve been performing since I left the womb. I owe an apology to my siblings for turning every dinner into an opportunity for to perform my newest song or try out a new dance routine. In high school, I was the jazz band nerd, studying music and competing in national singing competitions. At 14 years old I lived in New York for a month as a student of an intensive musical theatre course which further deepened my love of performing. I have always followed the beat of my own drum and found it immensely boring to follow the crowds. I refused to let the judgement of teenagers or any inkling to dilute myself to fit in jeopardise my dreams. I was crystal clear on what I wanted. Even the discouragement of some non-believing school teachers couldn’t slow me down. I was driven, focused, fearless, a force to be reckoned with.
I relentlessly chased my dreams to Berklee College of Music, where I was awarded a scholarship to hone my craft alongside industry giants. This is where I met my mentors and some of my incredible collaborators. I was learning at a rapid pace. It was at this phase of my life that my songwriting took to a new level. Songs were pouring out of me. Among them was a song I wrote called 'One Night' which featured on Black Coffee's album 'Music is King.' This opened many doors for me and lead to my collaborations with many talented artists around the globe. A milestone for me was when my song 'Reasons' reached millions of streams on Spotify. I have had the gift of performing on many stages to many unique and wonderful faces ranging from the life-altering Ultra Fest South Africa to more intimate songwriter sessions where I bared my soul and new music to a room of a couple dozen people. Each performance is as special as the next and I treasure these moments that make my soul soar.
Music is more than just a performance and form of entertainment for me. It's therapy, solace. It's a medium through which we process emotions, and express the intricacies of the heart. I want my music to lift people's spirits, to spread positivity, to bring hope just like other artists have done for me.
The world is in need of healing, and music is the answer. We have all experienced immense darkness, but music has a way of pulling us through.
I dream of creating music that heals and uplifts.
I am a performer, a creator, a force of nature. Music is my purpose, my passion, my pulse. For as long as I am alive I will continue to spread love, joy, and hope to every corner of the world.