South African music artist Chante Simply is on a journey, one that’s rooted in her passion for music and her desire to push beyond the limits imposed by life and history. Coming back to the drawing board, she reflects on the artists who shaped her vision, the dreams she had as a child, and how her purpose has deepened as an adult. Music is more than just a career for Chante—it’s her voice, her truth, and her way of breaking generational curses.

Growing Up on Icons: A Melodic Upbringing

Like many, Chante’s love for music was born in her early years, influenced by the sounds that filled her home. “The first artist I remember listening to as a kid was Craig David and Joe,” she shares. But her influences span a wide range of legends, including Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Tupac, the Bee Gees, and Sade. She listened to these artists “religiously,” their iconic styles weaving themselves into the fabric of her own music taste.

These artists didn’t just entertain her—they inspired her. They were the beacons of greatness that showed her what was possible. Chante didn’t just want to be a singer; she wanted to reach the heights they had. But more than that, she wanted to break barriers—not just for herself but for the generations that came before her.

Honesty Through Music: A Tool for Self-Discovery

For Chante, music has always been more than melodies and lyrics—it’s been a vehicle for truth. “Music helped me be more honest with myself,” she admits. It’s through her art that she’s able to confront her thoughts and emotions, a cathartic process that allows her to express her deepest truths.

This honesty isn’t just personal—it’s something she wants to extend to her audience. Through her music, she hopes to break generational curses, challenging the limitations and patterns passed down through families and societies. “I want to see how far my talent can take me,” she says, with a determination that mirrors her passion.

A Journey Through Sound: Chante’s Songwriting Process

Chante’s songwriting process is ever-evolving, a reflection of her growth as both an artist and a person. “My songwriting process changes all the time, and I love it,” she explains. Each phase of her life introduces a new way of creating, and she embraces that change as part of her journey. Currently, she finds herself writing songs in her room, a space of intimacy and solitude where her thoughts flow freely.

But Chante’s ambitions extend beyond the four walls of her room. “I’d love to write songs on the beach while watching the sunset,” she muses. With summer on the horizon, she’s eager to experiment with new environments that might influence her sound in unexpected ways.

Modern Influences and Versatility

While she’s grown up on the legends, Chante draws inspiration from today’s R&B powerhouses. Artists like Maeta, Kiana Ledé, Kehlani, SZA, and Mariah the Scientist are part of her modern-day playlist, and they play a significant role in shaping her current sound. These “modern R&B girlies,” as she fondly calls them, represent the next wave of R&B that Chante feels connected to. Their ability to weave vulnerability into modern soundscapes resonates deeply with her vision.

Chante describes her own music as a “timeline” of her life, an authentic expression of her personal journey. “It doesn’t get any more real than that,” she says. Her music is her story, a tale told to the world, and through it, she hopes listeners will find something they can relate to, dance to, or simply vibe with.

The Future: Growth, Experimentation, and Versatility

Looking ahead, Chante’s vision is clear—she wants to create music that is versatile, ever-changing, and true to her growth. She’s excited to experiment with new sounds and ideas, pushing the boundaries of what her music can be. Whether it’s an upbeat track for the dance floor or a reflective ballad that touches the soul, she aims to cater to different vibes, ensuring her music connects with a wide audience.

Chante Simply is a woman on a mission. Her passion for music drives her forward, her honesty grounds her, and her desire to break generational curses fuels her ambition. As she continues to evolve, both as an artist and as an individual, one thing is certain: her talent will take her far. The world better be ready for what Chante Simply has in store.