Veteran soul and R&B singer Karyn White is gearing up to return to Cape Town this April, sharing heartfelt reflections on her musical journey, her connection with South African audiences, and the personal experiences that have shaped her life and career.
Cape {town} Etc sat down with the icon ahead of her visit, and she traced her roots back to her teenage years, when she first realised music was more than just a passion. ‘I was about 16 years old when I first realised music could be more than a dream,’ she said. ‘I was in a group and we got a record deal, even though it was a smaller label, it showed me it was possible.’
White credited early performance experiences, such as pageants, with building her confidence and helping her recognise her talent. ‘Winning and performing showed me I had something special,’ she explained, adding that her family recognised her gift early on.
Looking back on her previous performances in Cape Town, White described the bond she formed with fans as profound. ‘The first time I came to Cape Town, the energy was just beautiful,’ she said. ‘I remember a line of over 100 women telling me how my music helped them through tough times. Some were even moved to tears, that was real and deep, not something I’ve experienced anywhere else.’
White pointed to the lasting impact of songs like Superwoman and Rather Be Alone, highlighting how they resonated with listeners. ‘Songs like Superwoman and Rather Be Alone are about strength, self‑worth and choosing yourself,’ she said. ‘Hearing how these songs have helped people through stages of life, that’s powerful.’
Discussing her preparation for live shows, White said she approaches performance with discipline. ‘Before a show I eat very little, warm up my voice, and try to save my energy for the stage,’ she said. She also shared how she draws inspiration from other legendary artists, particularly Prince, whose artistry and work ethic continue to influence her. ‘Prince was phenomenal, his rehearsal ethic and performance energy influenced me a lot,’ she said.
White also opened up about stepping back from music during difficult periods in her personal life, including the loss of her mother and her divorce. ‘Losing my mom, my biggest cheerleader, and going through my divorce at the same time was really tough,’ she said. ‘I stepped back because I needed to focus on my daughter and my family.’
She emphasised the role of faith in her resilience, describing it as a guiding force through challenging times. ‘My faith, not just religion, but a spiritual relationship with God, has carried me through all seasons of life, especially in this industry,’ she said. ‘Faith helped me overcome fear. If I had chosen fear, I might never have come back to music or come to South Africa.’
White’s comments underline the strong connection she feels with her fans in South Africa, a connection she is excited to renew when she returns in April. ‘South Africa showed me something special, fans here connect with my music on a level that stays with them and their families,’ she said. ‘That’s why I’m glad to be back performing.’
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Picture: Supplied
