Conversations with Cleopatra Gcinekile Methula

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cleopatra Gcinekile Methula.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Cleopatra Methula also known as “MissesRoses”.

I am a country music singer, songwriter, and guitar player born in the Kingdom of Eswatini. I am currently in Texas for Awards happening in Marshall and Nashville where I have been nominated under different categories. Awards Won: I am a Texas Sounds International Country Music two times Awards Winner (2019, 2022).

SWAMA 2019 Award winner.
SA CMA 2019 Award winner.

Nominees: Josie CMA 20223 Nominee and Texas Sounds CMA 2023 Nominee.

My journey began 10 years ago when I lost my mother who always believed I could sing. I have never thought of myself as a singer, I was quite shy. I enjoyed writing music even though I never understood what type of genre it was but I never stopped writing.

One day, I received a smartphone as a birthday gift from a family friend, I was so excited I couldn’t stop exploring. I finally saw that the recorder in the phone was working, I recorded myself singing Dolly Parton’s song ‘Wild Flowers’ I loved that song I’ve always heard it on the radio, I never knew it was country music but I was so connected to this music I couldn’t understand why.

After recording myself singing, I ran to my mother and said “Please listen,” I swear I’ve never seen her so happy like that, she was just beyond impressed that moment I messed up all the lyrics. Hahaha, but she looked at me and said “That’s it! This is it! You have to sing or God will take away the voice”. I honestly never understood what she meant until she passed away a year after. So together with my sisters, we wrote a song called “These Memories”. I managed to record it after meeting up with a duo that sings country music that I saw on TV.

Since then, I have been on the road still. I kept on playing music at different events and restaurants, and after a lot of hard work, I finally made it to bigger platforms and festivals, locally and abroad. My music got recognized in places I never thought it be recognized.

I am so thankful that after a few years my sister Temlandvo Methula joined me as my backup singer, it’s just amazing. Hearing her sweet voice backing me up just feels like heaven, absolutely self-thought but I believe she has the best country harmonies I have ever heard.

It’s a blessing to be able to do something you love so deeply. I am still learning and growing, I believe in my music and I know that one day it will reach more people in the world. Being an independent musician isn’t easy. We build every day and through thick and thin we still keep going. All the people, family, and friends who always support us and believe in us don’t know how much we appreciate them.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being an Independent musician isn’t easy at all. You face a lot of rejection because you are not represented by a stable or record label, you are often put last you know. No matter how good your music is you barely get first preference.

As most can attest, we’ve played for empty tables and chairs, and we’ve played for a plate and drink to just promote ourselves and the music we believe in. At times you want to give up but you can’t because everything in you yerns for another moment to play music for your fans, family and friends. Let them hear that new song! Speak to their souls!

Self-financing the dream, I know we call it an investment, however, it’s not easy when you don’t even have the means.

I have had the opportunity to work and do music at the same time, my bosses and colleagues fully support my dreams they believe in music which makes it a little bit easy you know to save money for recording new music, paying the band, and other logistics.

To be a musician seem easier but to be a musician who is also hands-on in everything, every step of the way it’s not easy at all. But I always remember I’m a Fighter, I will keep pushing until I get where I belong.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a country music singer, songwriter, and guitar player. Currently, I have written over 50 songs. I know but I can’t stop, when the inspiration comes and the tune flows, I just can’t stop it.

I am a recording and performing musician who has won international Awards. I am known for my traditional country music tune and the original music I write. I am also referred to as the Queen of Country Music in Africa buy CNN African Voices.

I am proud of the music that I have recorded so far, mostly of my latest big live album recording concert named “A Decade and A Rose.” I am so proud that after 10 years in the music industry, I am still growing strong, and spreading love.

What set me apart from others I believe is the originality of my music, my voice, and what I have to share with others out there through the lyrics that I write. And yes, to be a young female country music singer from Africa is always a wonder to most people but I also think it’s a wonderful thing.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Yes, of course, I can’t be Cleopatra without my family friends, colleagues, and fans, they all showed me love throughout the years.

My Band, Thandie Gama -Bassist,
Mlungisi Ndwandwe – Drummer
Zipho Lukhele, Shisa Simelane, Kevin Mantini – Keys
See Adamson- Pedal steel guitar
Linda Msibi, Mbuso Vilakati- Lead Guitar
Temlandvo Methula- Back up vocalist

From the beginning, Gazi Simelane has been on the production of my music to ensure it sounds super amazing. I have people who are constantly in the planning team who makes things easier for me to just focus on the music, Bongani Dube aka DJ Tizalami is one of those people,

My designator Lubelo ensures that I always have the best country look on stage, it is just amazing. My sister Temlandvo Methula my best friend, always stands by me for advice and also makes sure I look pretty and feel good inside my heart.

I love them all so much, they are all the building blocks that made me the person I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://smarturl.it/pr7vkp
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cleopatra.methula?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@cleopatramethula4674
• SoundCloud: https://m.soundcloud.com/cleopatramethula 

Image Credits
Birthchild