Cape Town - Local teen singer Rowlene is flying high after she managed to bag a one-track collaboration with singer, producer and actor Riky “Boss Zonke” Rick.
The young singer/songwriter, who also taught herself how to compose, has been hailed as “a breath of fresh air” in the music industry.
Music producers said “Rowlene’s captivating voice and writing is what sets her apart from other musicians, and puts her in a class of her own”.
Rowlene is one of only a few female performers in the country who use only her first name to identify herself amidst the hustle and bustle of the industry.
She said she had been singing for as long as she could remember, and always knew she was a “star”.
Born in Cape Town, Rowlene’s musical journey began in high school. Now, under the guidance of South African rapper Nasty C’s manager Zyne Marcus, her dream is becoming reality.
“I had a lot of support growing up,” she explained. “My parents have always encouraged me to follow my dreams.”
After studying oral hygiene for a year after matriculating, Rowlene realised her true calling and passion was “waiting to be unleashed”.
The singing sensation currently has two songs playlisted on Goodhope FM. She has also opened for acts such as Micasa and other artists.
The tiny dynamo’s other achievements include performing at the Daily Voice Competition 10, getting to the top five of Idols 2015, and performing at a number of corporate events for Ackermans.
She is one of three artists recently signed to Free World Music, and is also behind a youth musical organisation called Utopia.
Rowlene met Rick by chance when he heard “one of her tracks at a studio” when she was working on a collaboration of Nasty C’s emotive track Phases off of bad hair. Rick immediately expressed interest in “laying down a verse or two” with her.
About working with Rick, Rowlene said: “I’m a huge Riky Rick fan. It’s an honour to have him on my album.”
And while that debut album isn’t out yet - she’s aiming for a mid-2017 release - she says it will feature a perfect combination of R&B, pop and reggae-soul, a mix that complements her unique voice.
Rowlene’s third single with Boss Zonke was completed late last month and will hit the airwaves soon.
“I am excited about the song,” she said.
Weekend Argus