South African singer, Demi Lee Moore’s story feels like a breath of fresh air in the often-noisy music world.
For Demi Lee Moore, music isn’t about chasing fame; it’s about genuine connection. Creating music fluently in English and Afrikaans, her music resonates with an audience so enthralled by her sound that she has over 200,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
In addition to a stellar performance at the recent FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit, Moore was Spotify Africa’s EQUAL Artist for March – a global initiative that supports women’s music through education, inspiration and networking opportunities, showing the platform’s support for female artists all year round.
Q. How does your fluency in both English and Afrikaans enhance the depth of your music?
A. I believe it has allowed me to reach a larger number of people through my music. It has also opened a lot of doors and possibilities to work with other artists around the world. My love for our country has been a massive influence on my sound in Afrikaans.
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Q. You have over 200,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. What’s been the most unexpected or powerful response you’ve received from a listener?
A. I have had many people come to me crying, telling me how my music inspired them, helped them through a difficult time or even helped them deal with the death of a loved one. It’s heartbreaking but so heartwarming as well.
To know that your music has changed someone’s life, even if it’s just as small as making someone’s day better, is the best thing you can ever hear. It makes it all worth it.
Q. In an industry where streaming and algorithms shape success, how do you balance staying true to your artistry while navigating the business side of music?
A. I strive to stay as authentic as possible. As an artist, your purpose is the most important part of your career. As soon as you stray away from who you are and the message you want people to hear, you not only lose yourself but your audience as well.
Q. Success is often measured in charts, awards and streams but what does success truly look like for you?
A. Success to me is happiness. Am I happy with what I am doing? Am I happy with how I am doing it? Am I making other people happy? That is how I measure my success.
Q. If you could collaborate with any female artist—past or present—to create an anthem for women’s empowerment, who would it be and what would the song be about?
A. I would love to collaborate with CAM, a country artist from America. She is not only an incredible artist, she is also a fierce woman, a powerhouse when it comes to writing, and just a stunning human being. I think if we had to do a song together it would no doubt be a country song. I have had the opportunity to share a stage with her and it was incredible!
Q. In what ways have you contributed to breaking down barriers for women in the South African music scene, and how do you encourage other female artists to take control of their careers?
A. In a male-dominated industry, it’s very difficult to break through as a woman but I have found that perseverance and consistency are the key to success in this industry. I have always been a firm believer in the fact that you need to do the work if you want any sort of reward. I am always looking for new ways to broaden the experience for my listeners, whether it’s English country or Afrikaans pop. I don’t ever sit around and wait, I am always planning something and I believe that has been a massive part of my success in the music industry. Even if you are better, you will still have to work harder.
Q. Do you think female artists are expected to be role models? If so, how do you balance your artistic integrity with the industry’s demands?
A. I do believe there is a certain responsibility, especially as a female artist. If you are in a position of influence, you automatically become a role model to someone. You have little girls looking up to you and the pressure of always being on point can be a lot. That being said, I always try to stay true to who I am. I am always aware that somewhere, there is a little girl with the same dreams I had. My goal is to show that it is possible.
It’s clear that for Moore, success isn’t just about hitting certain numbers or winning awards; it’s about the simple stuff: being happy with her music, creating it in a way that feels right and knowing it might actually touch someone’s life in a meaningful way.
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