Jamie-Lee Sexton, recent winner of the Basadi Women In Music Award for Popstar of the year, writes lyrics based on her life experiences, backs them up with an incredible vocal range and a stage presence that energises and enthrals.
Jamie-Lee began writing poetry at age nine, and began putting them to music. By age ten, she knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life, and whilst she had no idea how she would get there, she knew the journey would be incredibly important.
Now when I look back, I was writing about my soul and subconscious, in a very mature way. I need to write about my life experiences, it’s the only thing I know how to do. My stories are universal enough that it touches people in a certain way.
South African stories, told from a female perspective, is really important, looking at life through a women’s eye. I think it’s what’s missing.
Young girls need to have a platform. If they know what they want, that’s a great thing and we should raise more girls like that..
If women are taken more seriously, they will take themselves more seriously.
An acting teacher once told Jamie-Lee that when you decide to get on stage, you are giving a part of yourself to the audience, if you are not willing to do that, don’t get on the stage.
Songs are like children, they are born, they grow, evolve, get personality, fingerprints, the more you perform them live, the more a part of you they can become and the more an audience connects with them.
Performing live is my favourite part, love the energy, its everything that has culminated in that moment.
When asked what guidance she would offer young musicians, Jamie-Lee responsed,
Always be authentic. Authenticity you can’t buy, can’t be taught. Don’t ever let go of that part of you, don’t try to be something else. You are already unique. Always stick to your guns and don’t be afraid of saying no.
Naturally people want to mold you into something they think will work, but if you stick to who you are it will work every single time. There is no one else like you.
Jamie-Lee and her wife Shiran (who is also Jamie-Lee’s manager and active board member of Women in Music South Africa), own Stella June, which is a record label, publishing and media house. They point out that being independent has its advantages but it’s alot of work.
A record deal does not mean success, read the fine print.
You can’t just be a singer today, you have to understand the business side of it. We have a goal, and the business side of it is as important as what you see on stage. Music is an art but you have to understand the business side of it.
With music awards and nominations under her belt, a successful record label, publishing and media company, many recorded works and a current hit single, Jamie-Lee is taking the music scene in South Africa by storm and paving the way for future generations of South African women in music to hold their own in music and business.