LGBTQI+ community waves flag high
Thapelo releases debut single with Gqeberha singer and producer, Gino Lee following a bad breakup experience.
A mental health occupational therapist for the West Rand Health District released his first RnB/ pop song – a single collaborated with Gqeberha singer and producer, Gino Lee, titled Caught Up which reflects on his recent dating experience within the LGBTQI community.
The debut single follows Thapelo’s recent healing journey as he says that he just got out of a very toxic relationship and believes that music is a form of therapy. With this song, he aims to create awareness on issues such as dating within the community and says that he wants members of this community ‘to experience love and durable relationships – same as everyone else’.
“I write about my personal experiences, but the music speaks to similar experiences that others can relate to. There are still many people who don’t understand the concept of homosexual relationships, but we also fall in love and enter committed relationships. We go through the same challenges that heterosexual people do,” Thapelo explained.
The duo, who recorded the song in Gqeberha, says that they were very excited to collaborate on this project, which Gino Lee describes as a ‘soulful RnB/ pop jam indicative of 90s RnB’.
“Thapelo is such a gifted artist. His passion for his craft and his next-level songwriting ability are what drew me in. Not to mention, he has an insane voice!” Gino exclaimed when asked why they decided to collaborate.
Gino went on to say that the song is about taking back ownership of your life and independence after a breakup and hopes that it will empower people to be okay with their vulnerability.
While the song is not only directed at the LGBTQI community, Thapelo says it is a song for everyone as everyone faces the same challenges in relationships regardless of sexual orientation.
“Everyone experiences love, regardless of gender, and although the song speaks of Thapelo’s personal experiences with love, it is all-embracing.”
He went on to encourage people who are in same-sex relationships by saying that they should always live their truth, who they choose to love does not make them any less of a human.
The song is available on all streaming platforms and the music video is on YouTube.
