IN CONVERSATION WITH MELYSSA

Loading player...
“I am who I think I am, and I’m reaching for the stars.”
With those words, Zimbabwean artist Melyssa signals a bold new chapter in
her music career as she drops her debut single under Bridgenorth Music. The
track, titled SIMBI, is a genre-bending Afrobeats anthem packed with energy,
empowerment, and emotional grit.
“This release marks the beginning of an exciting journey with my new family,
Bridgenorth,” Melyssa shares. “It’s our first release together, so it’s quite special. The message is clear: I’m here to stay. Nothing can stop me.”
Driven by the lyric “tougher than simbi”—simbi meaning “metal” in Shona—the track is more than a catchy hook. It’s a mantra. “It’s a song meant to uplift someone going through a tough time. A pat on the back to say, ‘Keep going, you got this,’” she says.
The song showcases Melyssa’s signature vocal charisma over a smooth but
commanding beat produced by Chiweddar, mastered by Keith Farquharson,
and visually brought to life by Taku from Bridgenorth. “I thrive on good vibes
in the studio,” she explains, “and working with Chiweddar, who I’ve built a solid trust with over time, made the whole experience flow.”
Though the track sounds like a victory lap, it’s born out of reflection. “I’ve been through so much in my journey as an artist. This song was a way of channeling my inner champion,” she says. “One thing that’s kept me going is the amazing support I’ve received from people who genuinely vibe with my music. This is my way of saying I won’t let them down.”
When asked about critics and pressure, she shrugs it off gracefully. “I won’t say I have haters per se… but I know I’m not everyone’s cup of tea. Still, I won’t succumb to pressure from whoever or whatever isn’t for me.”
Melyssa is more than ready—she’s sure-footed, self-assured, and supported by a team determined to amplify her shine. “There’s been a lot of learning with Bridgenorth, but I’m grateful. They’re working so hard behind the scenes to make me look good, sound good, and just shine.” And this is just the beginning. “There’s a body of work coming soon,” Melyssa teases. “Expect a lot more music.”
20 Jun 2025 English South Africa Entertainment News · Music Interviews

Other recent episodes

IN CONVERSATION WITH Khathutshelo Rasilingwane

Area Code is a fun and interactive mid-morning show on VOW, which airs weekdays from 09:00-12:00. This show aims to ease listeners into their mornings by keeping them up-to-date with the latest news and trends, while also serving as a student’s “go-to” for campus-related events and information.
9 Sep 11 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH MICHEAL SUN

Area Code is a fun and interactive mid-morning show on VOW, which airs weekdays from 09:00-12:00. This show aims to ease listeners into their mornings by keeping them up-to-date with the latest news and trends, while also serving as a student’s “go-to” for campus-related events and information.
9 Sep 7 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH NICO DE JAEGER

Area Code is a fun and interactive mid-morning show on VOW, which airs weekdays from 09:00-12:00. This show aims to ease listeners into their mornings by keeping them up-to-date with the latest news and trends, while also serving as a student’s “go-to” for campus-related events and information.
9 Sep 8 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH MMEMME MOGOTSI

South Africa’s migration debate has moved well beyond the question of how many undocumented people are being deported. The bigger challenge now is whether the country can build a system that prevents irregular entry, identifies people accurately, processes immigration and asylum claims efficiently, and knows who is entering and leaving…
7 Sep 10 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH XOLANI FIHLA

If you’re heading out onto Johannesburg’s roads this morning, you may want to think twice before taking that shortcut you’ve used a hundred times. Johannesburg has been battered by heavy rain, and yesterday we saw just how quickly conditions can become dangerous. At Siemert Road and Currey Street in Doornfontein,…
7 Sep 5 min