Aaliyah put it melodically well and clear on the lead-single of the soundtrack to Romeo Must Die. On the Timberland produced single, which would also be available on her 2001 self-titled album, ‘Liyah says, “if at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself up and try again..”.
These words couldn’t ring truer for Newcastle, KZN born Asimbonge Zwane, better known as Melanin. While she asserts that she’s been singing since she could talk as a little girl, at her mom’s insistence, Aaliyah’s words would find home in her, during her quest to conquer IdolsSA. A journey that began in 2018 until 2020.
Melanin’s hopes were dashed in 2018, when she didn’t even make it to the judges auditions that season. She would make a return in the 2019 season, where she would only make it to the Top 32.
At this this point she admits that after this latest disappointment, she discovered her strength and the importance of being unapologetic about it. Melanin is not disappointed at all that she did not make it all the way, but instead credits the singing talent show for helping her find herself, accepting who she is and how she wanted to present her music. She says she is grateful for the many lessons Idols SA taught her, from interactions with the camera crew to the vocal coaching sessions among them.
Melanin has since spent time in studio, pouring all these varying and fruitful experiences into her single, a beautiful, sultry piece of music called, “Love Song”. The first 15 seconds of the song a crisp guitar ushers her silky voice with just the right amount of reverb, on this well produced song. “Love Song” will debut on Slyso’s #IQL on Umhlobo Wenene FM at 21h15 on Friday the 14th October and followed by an interview with this gifted and resilient rising star.
To Book Melanin – melaninbookingsza@gmail.com
Follow her on:
Instagram – @melanin_rsa
Tweeter – @AsimbongeZwane
Youtube – Melanin_RSA