Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)

Filipa has a special message in her music

- SINOLWAZI APRIL

SINGER and song writer Filipa, who won the Ryan Seacrest’s One Direction cover competitio­n two years ago has released a new single Little White Lie, and the song has made it to number 40 on the iTunes top 100.

Filipa is humbled by the responses she’s received.

“The single is about making a mistake, biting down on your pride and admitting to it. It’s about reaching out to someone and having the courage to admit you were wrong. It is special to me, as I feel many people can relate to it. Little White Lie is about being human: we may lie and hurt other people to shelter ourselves. So, I knew I had to share this song.”

The singer from Pretoria said winning the competitio­n was a great experience.

“It was unexpected and humbling. Not only did it give me the opportunit­y to start my career, but it also provided me with a challengin­g learning curve. I was young and unprepared to an extent, there have been hurdles and I have taken away important lessons about the industry and myself.”

For the past two years Filipa has taken time to work on her brand and discover her sound. “I wanted to make sure the music I would release was genuine, not rushed, and would move people,” she said. The 20-year-old added she’s had her fair share of challenges.

“The industry is demanding and the hardest part is making sure you don’t lose yourself. I have learnt that you must stick up for who you are and for your work and vision.

“As an artist, you are the only person held accountabl­e for what you portray, so the challenge is to stay true to your gut and heart.

Be open and mindful, but never allow yourself to be swayed into a position that leaves you unhappy.”

Filipa describes herself as a hopeless romantic and family orientated, and says she draws inspiratio­n for her music from her experience­s.

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