‘Music is a great instrument’: 5 minutes with Sabrina Love on redefining Afro-pop and amapiano

Rising Cameroonian Afro-pop sensation Sabrina Love is in Mzansi on a mission to cement her name in the SA music scene and collaborate with local artists, including Tito & Yuppe.

Known for her infectious energy and chart-topping hits including Pull Over featuring D Smoke and My Africa, Sabrina has been making waves across Africa with her dynamic performances and international collaborations.

Her visit to SA marks a new chapter in her skyrocketing career, and fans can expect an unforgettable musical experience and collaborations.

Fresh off her Best Newcomer nomination at the 2025 Trace Awards and a show-stopping set at Afrovibes in Zanzibar, TshisaLIVE spoke to the singer about her musical journey and more.

Your music blends Afro-pop, amapiano and global sounds. Tell us about your musical influences and how you developed your unique sound?

I grew up listening to artists and later my way of listening to music changed. As a creative I listen to music to learn and it has a great impact on the music I create. I am more observant about the way I place my lyrics and the way I deliver vocally on a song. My goal is to succeed in combining our local genres in Cameroon with international sounds so I can make something more original and authentic and take Cameroonian music to the international stage.

Your visit to SA marks a new chapter in your career. What are your goals and aspirations for this new chapter, and how do you see yourself evolving as an artist?

I’m hoping to connect with South African artists and create during my stay here. I would love to get closer to the local audience. I hope South Africans will welcome me with hands open because I work hard. I put a lot of love into what I do and see my self gracing big stage. I would love to be an inspiration to younger artists.

You've collaborated with international artists such as D Smoke and Koffi Olomide. Tell us about your experience working with these artists, and are there other collaborations in the works?

Working with other artists is always a pleasure for me. The collaborations I’ve done so far have been a plus and an amazing experience for me as an artist. I am always open to new collaborations, discovering and trying new things. I’m working on my coming album and I have a few amazing collaborations that will be part of the project

Your music often focuses on themes of love and sweetness. What inspires you to write about the topics, and do you have a personal philosophy on love?

Love is a beautiful thing, though everyone has their own experiences. I’m a lover of love and it is always a good idea to sing about love. We never know what someone might be going through and music is a great instrument to transmit emotions so for me singing about love is a way for me to spread love

As a young woman from Cameroon, how do you think your cultural heritage influences your music and artistic vision?

Cameroon is rich in diverse sounds and growing surrounded by the musical diversity helped me shape the way I create. I blend the sounds to modern sounds like amapiano to make a sound that is as the same time authentic and global. My cultural heritage also influences my storytelling as I talk of the realities of my people.

You're not only a talented singer but also a skilled dancer and comedian. How do you incorporate the skills into your music videos and live performances?

Knowing how to dance is a plus for an artist because it levels up the stage performances. Dancing is something I naturally love so learning new steps is always fun for me.

Your musical evolution has been remarkable, from your early covers to your recent tribute to Prince Nico Mbarga. Tell us about your creative process and how you approach songwriting and production?

My creative process depends on my mood, but most of the time before we start a session we listen to music to get in the mood and if we have ideas we start creating. Sometimes I take my time to get the beat and write in my room. Whenever inspiration doesn’t come immediately I don’t force it. I take my time.

What message do you hope to convey to your fans and audiences through your music, and how do you see yourself using your platform to make a positive impact?

I would love my music to touch people so they feel loved and know they are not alone in whatever they are going through and to always create time to enjoy have fun and celebrate life. Beyond my music I want to use my voice to motivate young people to believe in their dreams. I want to show that success is possible with hard work and discipline.