Welcome to Another Edition of Melodies Unveiled.
From Fort Beaufort to Australia: Owam Magengelele’s Journey Through Music, Healing, and Purpose
Welcome to another edition of Melodies Unveiled, where we shine a light on rising voices making waves in the world of music. Today, we introduce a young and soulful storyteller whose journey began in Fort Beaufort, South Africa, and has now stretched all the way to Rockhampton, Australia. At just 19 years old, Owam Magengelele has already turned pain into poetry and silence into song.
In this heartfelt conversation, we dive into Owam’s early battles with bullying, how music became a safe haven, and what it means to be a true storyteller. From acting to songwriting, and a stage debut in front of over 1,000 people, this is a story of courage, creativity, and quiet strength.
Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and where you’re from?
Hello, and thank you for reaching out. My name is Owam Magengelele, I’m a 19 year old upcoming singer and songwriter. I was born and raised in Fort Beaufort, South Africa, but I relocated to Rockhampton, Australia, to further my education.
When and how did your love for music begin?
I’ve always loved music, but my true passion for music began in grade 6-7 when I was getting severely bullied. This leads to depression and anxiety. Music was my sanctuary during my time of fear and isolation. I expressed my feelings by writing poetry that later became songs.
Do you remember the first song you ever wrote or performed? How did it feel?
I’ve written many songs that I haven't yet performed. I only perform song covers because when you are asked to perform at places, people want to hear songs they already know and can sing along to.
How would you describe your sound or the kind of music you make?
My sound is inspired by many classic genres such as jazz, blues, and Afro-soul music. I consider myself a storyteller instead of a vocalist.
Besides music, what are some of your hobbies or things you enjoy doing in your free time?
Other than I enjoy acting and theatre, I was part of a small-scale theatre production in 2023 where I played the character Gloria in Madagascar the musical. I also take online acting classes on the side, in hopes of improving my skills as a storyteller.
What themes or messages do you hope people pick up from your music?
My music covers a broad variety of themes such a Joy, Peace, Love, heartbreak, and healing.
Can you walk us through your creative process when working on a new song?
I don’t have a real creative process to be honest., I write when I have to get something off my chest and when I remember a core memory from my past.
Who are some artists that inspire you or influence your sound?
I draw a lot of my inspiration from the artists I listened to growing up, e.g, The Soil, Nathi, Vusi Nova, and Zaraha. I believe these artists have a way of taking listeners on a journey and evoke strong emotions through their music.
How has your music journey impacted your life personally or emotionally?
Music has been such a gift to me. It was my sanctuary during my time of isolation and a way to express my suppressed emotions. Music is a form of therapy.
What are some challenges you’ve faced as an artist, and how did you overcome them?
As an upcoming artist, the greatest challenge I’ve faced was the silent battle of self-doubt and stage fright. I spent most of my years singing in private, and I only started performing publicly in 2023. Once I had overcome the demons in my head, every else just fell into place.
Is there a moment in your journey so far that made you feel proud or seen?
One of my proudest moments was when I got to perform in front of an audience of over 1000 people. At first, I was very nervous, but I remembered that diamonds are formed by pressure.
What keeps you grounded or motivated when things get tough is it family, faith, friends, or something else?
Like every artist, I’ve taken my fair share of Ls. From not getting booked to getting rejected at auditions. When things like that happen, I remember my favourite bible verse
Ecclesiastes 3:11
New International Version
11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
What can we expect from you next, and where can people follow you?
I don’t have anything big planned for the next few months because I’m entering the second semester, and I need to do really well because I can’t afford to repeat modules. I am @Owam Maggz on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Owam Magengelele’s journey is a beautiful reminder that music isn’t just about melodies; it’s about healing, honesty, and having the courage to be seen. From quietly writing poems during tough times to standing confidently on stage in front of thousands, her story is one of resilience, growth, and purpose.
As she continues to carve her path, one heartfelt lyric at a time, we’ll be watching and rooting for her every step of the way.
Thank you for tuning into Melodies Unveiled. Until next time, keep supporting local talent, keep listening with intention, and most importantly, keep the music playing, East Side Insiders.
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