AV Raincandy: An emerging voice in full colour

Her music resists easy categorisation, shifting between rap, singing and hybrid textures within a single track. That refusal to sit still mirrors an approach she describes as instinctive rather than strategic.

Raincandy says music has been part of her life for as long as she can remember, shaped by a childhood surrounded by family and informal performance.

“I started singing at five and writing at eight,” she says. “I always say music chose me, because it’s always felt like a natural instinct.”

Although she did not initially plan to pursue music professionally, she says encouragement from those around her eventually made the path feel unavoidable.

Rather than define her sound, Raincandy leans into its flexibility.

“I don’t have a name for it,” she says. “It definitely has multiple personalities. I blend genres and moods for my own amusement. I get bored doing one thing for too long, so I mix them up.”

That approach often sees her combining melodic singing with rap-driven verses, placing her within a younger generation of South African artists less constrained by genre labels.

Her growing profile has been shaped by a series of early milestones, including her SAMA stage appearance and the commercial performance of Bawo, which has accumulated close to two million streams across platforms.

“That’s my biggest achievement so far,” she says. “It feels amazing.”

More recently, her single Daydream has continued to expand her audience, with what she describes as a strong listener response helping to reinforce her direction. “You sometimes downplay your own impact,” she says. “Then you wake up to messages from people who love your music.”

Rather than signing to a major label, Raincandy is working through a distribution arrangement with Mculo Content in partnership with EMPIRE. She says the setup has allowed her to grow while maintaining creative control.

“They introduced me to a brilliant team that helps me make the right choices for my career,” she says.

Beyond sound, Raincandy’s visual identity has become a defining part of her artistry. Known for bold, colourful styling, she says this expression is closely tied to personal growth.

“For a long time, I was ashamed of liking colour,” she says. “I thought it made me look weak. But I’ve learned there’s real beauty in being whimsical. I have a colourful soul.”

She has worked with artists including DJ Clen, Jay Jody and Blaklez, and names Doja Cat, Lorde Kez and Tems among her dream collaborators.

For those starting out, her advice is direct: “Never settle for anything that isn’t in line with your goals. If it’s even slightly off from what you want, don’t take it.”