Five minutes with rising star Luna Raye on highlighting the power of sisterhood through her music

Luna Raye, born Dintle Lesela, promises to shake up the music scene with her fresh sound and magnetic stage presence.

The emerging artist, who draws inspiration from a range of genres including R&B, jazz, house and amapiano, released her debut single Girls Wanna Have Fun to commemorate Women's Month.

TshisaLIVE spoke to the rising star about her music and future ventures. 

How does the date and theme of the song align with your vision of women's empowerment?

Releasing the single for Women's Month was important for myself and my team because though the song is fun and playful, it touches on sisterhood and encourages women to personify confidence. Sisterhood is something we cannot replace and I think it’s important we continue to highlight that.

You balance multiple passions and pursuits. How do you manage to juggle your final year of criminology studies at the University of Pretoria with your rising music career?

I try to make sure I’m not prioritising one over the other. Time management and planning ahead is a big thing when it comes to that. It’s also important that I don’t allow stress from my music to affect my school performance, and vice versa. Luckily I only have three months left of school so I won’t have to sacrifice one for the other.

Your musical journey has seen you being mentored by industry stalwarts such as Refiloe Ramogase and recognised by Empire Music South Africa. How has this support system impacted your growth as an artist?

I am so grateful that my talents have been recognised by so many influential people in the industry. I started making music in 2020 when nobody knew me, so being supported by people who have recognised my potential has been amazing. My support system has helped me step outside my comfort zone and explore genres I didn’t know I could sound good on. They’ve helped me recognise the work that goes into being an artist and they’ve helped me persevere. There is so much more I have to learn and a lot more work I have to put in to see myself reaching incredible heights.

You mentioned plans for another single in October and an EP by the end of the year. Can you give us a sneak peek into what fans can look forward to in these projects?

I am specially excited for the EP as it will give my supporters a sense of how diverse my music is, but keeping R&B elements at the core of my songs. They can expect a fusion of traditional R&B, Afro-R&B, amapiano, pop and more. People can also expect to learn me more through this EP, as I will be expressing more than just the playful side of me.