Jamie-Lee Sexton has come a long way since she made her debut on popular reality series Idols South Africa. With an impressive number of hit singles under her belt, Jamie-Lee made her musical comeback last year when she released her new single ‘It’s True’. The song, which was months in the making, became the lead single to the singer’s new project ‘Medicine Woman’.
The project has since spawned radio hits ‘We Need To Talk’ as well as the title track which was released with an accompanying music video highlighting the beauty of all women – no matter shape, size or colour.
The single is proving to be incredibly popular and is currently enjoying a healthy amount of daily streams and spins on some of Mzansi’s biggest radio stations.
With a new EP under her belt filled to the brim with music that makes one both think and feel, Jamie-Lee opens up about pushing her musical boundaries as she celebrates the success of the ‘Medicine Woman’ project.
Congratulations on your new EP ‘Medicine Woman’. What kind of stories did you want to tell on this project?
Thank you so much! I’m so happy and grateful that the album is out in the world. This body of work is a reflection and culmination of many stories that have happened throughout my life, some really good and some really bad but all very important. I wanted to tell stories of truth, self-discovery and courage.
What inspired the EP’s title track?
‘Medicine Woman’ was written as a spiritual experience. I went to see a spiritual healer and as I walked into the room he said “Welcome Medicine Woman” I asked him what he meant? He explained that my soul is of a Medicine Woman and my medicine is my music. That whole experience really struck a chord in me and I started writing from a more spiritual place. The EP was filled with spiritual nuances and my journey in becoming a Medicine Woman.
We are obsessed with the music video. How important was it to you to feature women of all shapes, sizes and colours in the clip?
“Feminism isn’t about
making women strong.
Women are already
strong. It’s about
changing the way
the world perceives
that strength” –
G.D ANDERSON
The music video is a very important piece of the puzzle for me. As a woman in 2022 I feel we are stronger together than we are apart and I wanted to represent and celebrate our diversity as well as the individuality of each woman. Putting this on a screen is so important because it’s forever. I want to remind the world and the women in it that they are forever important, forever beautiful and forever powerful.
You worked on this EP with producer Daniel Baron. What was that experience like?
Working with Dan has been such an incredible experience! From the get-go we just clicked. It feels like I’ve known him for years – and after this process, I consider him my friend. It was wonderful to work with a producer that really listens and that is so passionate about the work and the art.
Which track really pushed you out of your comfort zone during the creation process?
JL- All of them did to some degree! That was my intention whilst creating the EP. But, the one that really pushed me was ‘We Are Brave’. It was really hard to write and is still difficult to sing… It bears many emotions, feelings and a breakthrough that at the time I felt was impossible. It’s especially emotional for me.
This was your first release in a while. Was it nerve-racking putting your craft out there?
It was a combination of nerves and complete excitement! Telling stories and creating music with a message has always been important to me. I was nervous for the world to hear and see into my life but, then again, why not? Sharing is caring! We are all here to learn from each other.
What do you think it is about your music that makes you unique?
I think sincerity makes anyone unique, it’s a stamp for your heart, soul and true personality. And I think that is what my music has. Truth. Soul and a whole lotta heart.
What else can fans expect from you in 2022?
I’m planning my album launch for the EP, very exciting!! It will be on Saturday 12 March at Snatch32 in Parktown North. Tickets are available here. I am also planning a lot more live performances, festivals and a national tour at the end of the year.
Listen to ‘Medicine Woman’ and read more music news here.
