No matter what the occasion, you can always pull her through a ring.
She is not only the pretty face who is known as one of the Boksburg Advertiser’s journalists, but also a multi-talented young woman, who recently released her debut single song and promises to, for a long time still, share her God-gifted talents with the world.
Tumelo, or rather Melo, released her first single titled Thato, on January 31, and the song has been gaining popularity amongst listeners and airwaves alike.
Thato is a glamorous township love story that speaks of how true love often overcomes many obstacles.
Melo’s music is what she terms “Motswako Soul” – a combination of Setswana and English lyrical poetry on a soulful-jazzy melody.
Born in Mafikeng, Melo has a musical background where both her parents used to play musical instruments.
“There has always been music in my life. I used to sing in church, during school assemblies and with friends in the bathroom during school breaks,” Melo says.
“Music makes me feel on top of the world, like nothing could go wrong. It’s the best feeling.”
However, it is only after school when Melo’s music career became serious. Melo’s ability to play the piano and sing adds a distinct touch to her music. She is not only a singer, but also a pianist, entrepreneur and songwriter.
Formerly known as Soul Sista, Melo put much effort in paving her own way into the music industry by performing at weddings and corporate events.
With her new image and more live sounds in her music, Melo’s musical growth is evident.
Not only did Melo write her single Thato, she also musically directed her five-piece band. Her band consists of two members from her previous band, and the other three members are part of another existing band. Melo also has three backing vocalists who share the same love for music as her.
Being a producer is one of the goals she wants to put under her belt and, with her determination, nothing is too far-fetched for this ambitious lady.
Aside from being a full-time journalist and pursuing her dream as a singer after-hours, Melo has her own fashion label, known as Metronome.
A metronome is an instrument for marking musical tempo and is in the shape of a skirt.
Saying this, Melo is combining music with fashion, since the label mainly consists of skirts.
Melo and her friend, Kagiso Moema, started the label together.
“Kagiso and I were childhood friends. She is also my make-up artist and stylist,” Melo says.
The label is not available to the public for now, only Melo will wear it. Once they are ready, they will distribute it to the public.
In a male-dominated music industry, Melo hopes to set a new trend and encourage female producers and musical directors.
As a full-time journalist and a part-time singer, asking what her future in music looks like, Melo answers, “It’s a journey”.
“Writing is my first love and comes with singing – it goes hand-in-hand. Both are gifts that God gave me. I will be writing forever – whether it is an article in the newspaper or a song. I will also be singing forever.”
Melo will release more singles and shoot music videos while concurrently working on her debut album in 2014.
To get in touch with Melo, go like her Facebook page – search “Melo the Soul Sista”.
You can also follow her on Twitter – handle is @Melo_SoulSista.
To get a sense of Melo’s music, download her debut single Thato, at https://soundcloud.com/melo-the-soulsista/melo-thato.
