Songstress, Carmen Rodrigues from Assagay in the Upper Highway Area is excited to be sharing the gift of love through music.
Rodrigues, who started singing professionally seven years ago, believes that it is never too late to do what you love and encouraged women, especially female singers, to never give up on their dreams. The 37-year-old singer recently released her latest single ‘Love Comes Easy’ with a VIP preview which took place on Thursday, 11 August, at the Westville Country Club.
Rodrigues said she enjoys live performances with a full band or with just the guitarist. “It was a night I will never forget. There was just love, joy and happiness in that room and some friends with tears of pride and of course my family was just super proud as well. I got to perform my song for the very first time in front of an audience and got the chance to tell them all about the meaning behind the lyrics. It was just super special,” said Rodrigues.
In 2016, Rodrigues was selected to represent South Africa in New York at the Talent America competition, where she performed three songs and won first place. The ‘Pure’ singer also claimed the Pinnacle Award and the division award in the singing competition.
“In that competition, I sang in front of 15 influential judges in the industry from Sing Music and Broadway among others. That really changed my life as I realised that I have got a great voice, and it’s funny how it took me going overseas to realise that. I then came home and took a brave decision to leave my corporate job and went into singing as my full time career,” said Rodrigues.
Her love for music is inspired by different musicians such as Adele, the legendary Johnny Clegg and Zahara whom she covers in her performances with her hit song ‘Loliwe’. “I love music and what it does for people. I also love what I am able to do for people through singing because music brings people together, it heals and brings out the emotions that you never thought you had. I can say that I love making people feel better about themselves through music. I sing in restaurants, clubs, birthday parties and corporate events, and it’s exciting to see what this journey holds for me. I also sing Xhosa songs and I have been told that my pronunciation is spot on,” she said.
Rodrigues said her genre is contemporary pop rock soul. She described her music as passionate, expressive, bold, storytelling, heartfelt and powerful.
“I will always have something deep and meaningful to tell in my songs but there will always be a motivational message in there for you. You can expect a wide range and powerful vocals with some gentle moments here and there, to make you really feel that emotion. All my songs are written from my own personal life situations. I go through something that really hurt me or helped me grow. I know if I tell my story through a song it will help many other people not feel alone,” she said.
Rodrigues said she is currently working on releasing other songs and that her dream is to be able to perform on an international stage with other great musicians. “In the next few years, I see myself touring the world, singing in stadiums alongside Adele and being a part of the big music industry. To any other women out there, young or old, live your dreams and you are never to old to start. I believe in you. You are limitless! You’ve got this,” said Rodrigues.
For music or bookings, contact Carmen Rodrigues on 081 015 3777
