Multi-talented social media influencer and compere-cum-vocalist, Selloane Thakanyane has collaborated with South African singer Busta for her second song, marking a significant milestone in her budding career.
In an exclusive interview with theReporter, Selloane opened up about her musical journey, inspirations, and the hurdles she has faced along the way.
From a young age, Selloane has always been passionate about singing, but it was her partner’s encouragement that pushed her to pursue this dream more seriously.
“I’ve always been a singer, but my partner stressed how much he believes it’s my favourite thing to do. His support motivated me to take the leap into a professional music career,” she said.
Selloane’s collaboration with Busta was facilitated by a previous encounter in 2022, where she hosted him at an event. This connection made it easier for her to approach him with her music. She sent him two of her earlier songs, which he loved, leading to fruitful discussions about working together.
“He was quite welcoming and humble, which made it easy for me to be creative,” she noted, full of praise for Busta’s collaborative spirit.
Her latest single ‘Morao’ diverges from her earlier love-themed tracks, delving into the struggles individuals face when trying to improve their lives.
“It talks about how people strive to do good but encounter challenges and setbacks every step of the way,” Selloane explained, emphasizing the song’s relatable message.
In addition to her success in music, Selloane has also dabbled in acting, even receiving compliments for her skills. However, she identifies more with her background in film and TV production.
Additionally, as an influencer for local brands and her own beauty brand, Khanya Beauty Studio, she has found ways to blend her creative talents.
Navigating the complexities of social media has not been easy for Selloane. She has faced backlash and discouraging rumours, which at times made her question her path.
“I refused to let my talent go to waste because of social media haters,” she asserted, demonstrating her resilience and determination.
Her upbringing in the church has played a crucial role in shaping her character and musical journey.
“Having been raised in church, I fell in love with the Bible, and that foundation has guided me in my adult life,” she reflected.
This spiritual grounding provides her with the confidence to channel her experiences into her music. As she continues to explore the world of amapiano, Selloane draws inspiration from artists like Ami Faku and Boohle, hoping to refine her vocal technique. She aspires to create music that delivers meaningful messages while maintaining her authentic self and honouring her heritage.
Looking ahead, Selloane has exciting plans for her music career, which she intends to reveal through her social media platforms.
“Social media has been a great tool for engaging with our audience and sharing upcoming events,” she indicated.
Selloane’s advice to aspiring artists is rooted in the lessons of perseverance and self-care. “Remain rooted in your upbringing, pray, and work tirelessly. Consistent effort always brings rewards,” she emphasised.
Balancing her diverse pursuits requires careful preparation, but Selloane is committed to maintaining her creativity and inspiration by learning from those who came before her. As Selloane’s star continues to rise, her journey serves as testament to the power of resilience and the importance of staying true to oneself in the pursuit of dreams.
