Five years since her single ‘Hot’ put her on the map, this sultry singer’s smooth vocals are ushering in a new era of neo-soul and R&B in Mzansi.
Watching Hunter Rose pursue her passion and succeed is to understand that music, at its core, is freedom. It’s a feeling of rhythmic release backtracked by sweet-sounding melodies that jolt and soothe all at once. It’s an awakening.
I’ve been an avid listener of Hunter’s hypnotic sound for the past three years. Her legacy as a recording artist has only just begun, but her introspective sound and evocative lyrics have already left an imprint on the South African music landscape.
Behind the voice
Born in Zimbabwe, Hunter and her family moved to Johannesburg before settling down in the Mother City, where she completed most of her schooling. Raised in a musical household – her mother a singer and her father a DJ – her life’s journey came naturally. “This definitely laid the foundation for the growth of my vocal ability, my appetite for music and passion for the arts,” she says.
“I started performing at a really young age, from talent competitions to showcases, and started cutting my teeth in the studio right after high school. With time and consistency, it eventually became my career.”
Self-taught and with God-given talent, Hunter eventually received formal vocal lessons, but attributes her growth to the guidance and advice she received from studio engineers and veteran Cape Town jazz musos she’s had the privilege of performing with over the years. However, her mother and family have always been her biggest support system.
“I think they play a big part when it comes to keeping me grounded. Our conversations are always honest, and it inspires me to be a better person and to stay focused,” she says. “Daily prayer and gratitude also reinforce my goals and intentions as a woman, sister, friend, lover and child of the universe and God. It allows me to see clearly when things get a bit heavy.”
Finding her key
Now, with millions of streams under her belt, an album titled Love & Trust (2020), and the EPs Silver Lining (2021) and Butterfly (2023), the soulful singer has solidified her position in the music industry. Tracks like ‘Seaside Dreams, ‘Nothing To Lose’ and ‘Forever Yours’ showcase the experimental personality of her voice, as she embellishes melodies with perfectly executed riffs and runs that pull at your heartstrings and get you ‘in the mood’.
Her passion for soul music is the foundation for most of her tracks. “From chord progressions to tempo, I explore and experiment once I’ve laid that down,” she explains. “When it comes to lyrics, I draw from current and past emotions to deliver the most honest story. But more often than not, I try to create scenarios that I’d like to see materialise. My imagination runs wild because I’m constantly inspired by my environment, conversations, colours and moods. That’s the luxury of being an artist – the ability to create new worlds… It’s escapism at its finest.”
Hunter’s ability to fuse R&B, soul and jazz sounds is due to her versatility as a vocalist and her drive to create her own distinct sound. “For the most part, experimenting with genres comes down to how fun it is, seeing what’s possible and coming up with something completely new and exciting. It’s the thrill of creating, figuring it out, and knowing that I can create almost anything!
“On the other hand, it also allows for growth, and that’s important when it comes to my main genres, R&B and soul. You gain experience and find new ways to expand your work.”
Chasing the dream
Currently in the process of recording a new album, Hunter cannot wait to drop new singles in 2024. “My artistic vision has intention, passion and freedom at its core,” she reveals. “I see myself continuing to attract intentional ventures and culturally transformative projects through my company, Hunter Rose Entertainment. Everything is incredibly personal and sensitive in my world – from how I show up to how I approach my recording process. Intention, passion and experimenting is important.”
Hunter feels that she’s the best version of herself when she’s recording: “The studio opens up the most vulnerable, confident and free version of me. As long as I’m carrying those emotions into my experiences, I feel like I am realising and actualising my artistic vision.
“I’m ecstatic about and deeply moved by the global music industry. We [artists] have a voice, a presence that’s beginning to thrive. I’m so grateful to be a part of this, and I look forward to seeing more R&B/soul artists grace stages both locally and internationally.”
Heart & soul
When she’s not singing her heart out on stage or on television, Hunter puts her heart and soul into other interests: photography, creating perfect moodboards, “finding the prettiest flowers and arranging them into artworks” and doing her self-care rituals while sipping on a cup of tea.
“From my craft to my personal life, everything I do involves heart and soul, whether it be my health, lifestyle or building wealth. I take a holistic approach throughout.” At the end of the day, this mesmerising muso hopes to leave a legacy that advocates for “living an intentional life and being unapologetic about it”. Her hope is that everyone discovers their own light and that they accept and hone it: “When we do so, we give others permission to do the same.”
In the years to come, Hunter is excited to perform on new stages, explore new destinations, see Hunter Rose Entertainment grow from strength to strength, and get more involved in philanthropic endeavours. Witnessing her skyrocketing to stardom has been aweinspiring.
Her dedication to her craft and undying love for music is a story of patience and unwavering self-belief. Hunter’s advice to ClubX readers pursuing their own dreams? The bubbly babe has a ‘glass half-full’ approach: “Authenticity is your abundance. Shine. Honour your gifts and count your blessings. They can only multiply from there!”
All about Hunter
Real Name:
Kayla Makka
Born On:
16 September 1995
Age:
28
Star sign:
Virgo
Current Location:
Cape Town
Rapid-Fire Q&A
Your Pet Peeve:
I value transparency. Anything other than that doesn’t sit well with me.
Your Music Icons:
Diana Ross, Nina Simone and Beyoncé.
Go-To Fashion Staples:
A dress, my silver/gold jewellery collections, and a pretty little handbag.
A Song That Gets Your Creative Juices Going:
‘Getting Late’ (live version) by Floetry.
Describe Yourself In One Word:
Spirited.
A Quote You Live By:
“Only love is real.”
Best Vocal Warm-Up Hack:
A good lip roll (prr-prr-ma-ma!).
Keep up with
Facebook: Hunter Rose
Instagram: @hunterroseeee
TikTok: @hunterroseeee
X: @Hunterroseeee
YouTube: @HunterRose
Words by: Charndré Emma Kippie
Photography: Zhann Solomons
