Dedicated to music and hard work

You have heard it before. “When I grow up I want to be a singer, I want to be a doctor, I want to be Obama…”

Sometimes however, embarking on a grim journey may make the future seem so bleak that dreams are shattered and locked away instead of being pursued. Call her overzealous or resolute, but Candace Barnwell knows how to stay focused on her aspirations.

“When I was in Grade 10, my dad suggested that I follow my dreams of becoming a singer , instead of going the traditional way of doing matric and then going to university,” says Candace.

This 24-year-old Melville resident relocated from Durban to Johannesburg about five years ago.

“I came to the National School of Arts to study contemporary music, and after finishing my qualification I worked as a waitress and started my career as a producer in Orange Grove,” she explains.

“Although it is hard to get into the music scene, I am dedicated to work hard, I know it is not impossible.”

Candace is currently working on her own music.

“I think the hip-hop in SA is awesome, but there is no female singer that does RnB and soul music in the way I would like to… so I see that gap and hopefully, I can be a strong female face in those genres,” she adds.

Candace performs at corporate events and various gigs in the country. She was also one of the performers at the Fête de la Musique festival on 28 June in Melville.

We are up all night for good fun; we are up all night to get lucky, was one of the jams the upcoming muso kept the crowd entertained with.

“I knew everyone was going to be performing their own songs, so I thought, why not do some of the popular songs that are topping the charts right now – just to have something different,” says Candace.

Flair, zeal, exotic dance moves, intelligence, beauty and, of-course, Candace’s voice kept music lovers entertained.

Micassa is the main group that she would like to collaborate with and Trey Songs and Miguel top the list for international acts. She also enjoys singing old-school music.

Growing up in a family of five, Candace says family is her pillar of strength.

“I am lucky enough to have a family that is so supportive,” she says.

Candace intends to drop a few singles within the next three months. She also wants to get into acting and TV presenting.

You can follow her and her journey on twitter by following @candybabyb.