The latest cover star in Apple Music’s Africa Rising artist development program is Filah Lah Lah, a South African R&B singer (actual name Reabetswe Fila Ranamane).
As a young girl, Filah Lah Lah believed that her way of speaking, appearance, and thoughts set her apart from others, leading her to feel like an outsider. Music became her means of embracing her uniqueness and finding joy in it. Introduced to the brilliance of black musicians by her father at a young age, she was exposed to a variety of genres like jazz, funk, and soul, shaping her musical identity.
Influenced by jazz legends such as Nina Simone, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane, R&B greats like Marvin Gaye, Betty Wright, and Smokey Robinson, as well as the dynamic energy of ’90s hip hop, Filah Lah Lah channeled her distinctive artistry into her first EP ‘Filahsofy’ (2020). Her second EP ‘We’re Gonna Be Just Fine’ (2021) showcased her growth through nuanced vocals and captivating soundscapes, exploring a more ambient and harmonious direction.
Her debut album ‘ON AIR’ (2024), now available for streaming on Apple Music, delves into themes of identity, belonging, and self-discovery across 18 expansive tracks.