06-05-2025
5 minutes with ‘Best New Artist' Metro FM award winner Neo Dube
After taking home the Best New Artist award at the Metro FM Music Awards 2025, Neo Dube is poised to shake things up and cement her name in the music industry.
With her latest single Indawenhle gaining traction, Neo's star is on the rise.
She is a multitalented artist known for her dynamic presence as a musician, filmmaker, and PR strategist.
TshisaLIVE spoke to the singer about her musical journey and more.
What does winning the Best New Artist award mean to you?
Winning the award is incredibly humbling. It's more than a personal achievement, it's recognition of the journey, the late nights, the self-doubt and the risks taken to be heard. It affirms that my voice and story matter.
How does the recognition affect your music career and future projects?
It motivates me to keep going, but with even more intention. The recognition opens doors, creates new conversations and invites collaborations I've only dreamed of. It also pushes me to be more courageous in my creative decisions.
Tell us about your music style and what inspires your creativity?
My sound is soulful, enriched with Afro-soul and shaped by cinematic storytelling. I'm inspired by lived experiences, my own and those around me and the spiritual and cultural rhythms of South Africa.
How do you blend different genres or elements in your music?
I approach music like a filmmaker would a script. Every element has to support the story. Whether it's a harmony, a jazz chord or a maskandi rhythm, I find ways to merge them authentically to evoke emotion and truth.
What was the breakthrough moment in your music career, and how did it lead to the award?
My breakthrough came when I released Indawenhle. The moment shifted everything. Suddenly the industry paid attention. From there, I committed to telling honest, vulnerable stories, which eventually led to the award.
Can you share some highlights from your journey as a new artist?
Performing at The Chairman, being featured on Vuma FM and curating my own unplugged sessions have all been highlights. But above all, connecting with people who tell me my music helped them heal, that's everything.
What's next for you in terms of upcoming music releases and projects?
I'm working on a debut EP that explores themes of belonging, hope and home. Each song is a conversation between past and present. We're also planning a mini-tour, with storytelling elements woven into the performances.
