The Voice SA: Rayleen Padayachee dreams big

Rayleen Padayachee is fast making a name for herself in the South African music industry. The 28-year-old impressed 'The Voice SA' judges during her season three audition.

The Pietermaritzburg native belted out Alicia Keys’ hit single, 'If I Ain’t Got You'. Judges Lira, Riky Rick, and Francois Van Coke all loved what they heard and wanted to work with the singer. She was spoilt for choice but she eventually picked Lira as her mentor. 

While many South Africans are only just now hearing about this amazing talent, Rayleen has been singing since she was a little girl.

“I started singing at the age of five and I’ve been singing ever since. I grew up in church, so I’ve been in worship teams from the age of 13 and that is where I gained my musical knowledge as a singer, drummer, bassist, and guitarist,” she tells us.

READ: Rayleen Padayachee hits the high notes on 'The Voice SA'

Rayleen entered a few singing competitions as a teenager and even made it to the Top 10 of one. Her music career started taking off when she joined her first band, Session 1. Soon she was getting booked for gigs and performing for stars like Dr Victor.

Rayleen says she entered 'The Voice SA' after her vocal coach suggested she give it a shot.

“It has been such an amazing experience and meeting all the talent was the best part. Working with the production team, wardrobe, hair, and make-up was a new experience for me. It's lots of fun but also a lot of hard work is required,” she says.

Working with Lira was also a treat. 

“I enjoy working with Lira, I simply love it. Her tips on performance are key for me as she is a diva of note and she sure knows how to own a stage! It's advantageous for me that she was previously a coach on The Voice SA,” says Rayleen.

Music runs in the Padayachee family. Everyone in her family plays an instrument or sings. Rayleen’s brother, Joash Mark Padayachee, wrote her very first single, 'Know You’re Greater'. She says the track, which was released in January, was inspired by a tragic event in her life.

“I was in a tragic accident last year and fractured my humerus, I saw that God gave me a second chance and I made the decision to fulfil my dream of releasing my very own music… ‘Know You’re Greater’ is centred around knowing that God is greater than any situation and you can rely on Him and you can trust Him.”

While Rayleen enjoys all genres of music, she describes herself as an R&B, soulful singer.

“My favourite styles of music would be gospel, R&B, pop, Latin and jazz.”

More about Rayleen

What is your favourite song right now?

Kirk Franklin’s 'Love Theory' and 'All I Ask' by Adele.

Which artist would you love to collaborate with? 

In the gospel genre, I would love to collaborate with Darlene Zschech, Israel Houghton, and Travis Greene. In the R&B/pop genre I would love to collaborate with Shekinah, Black Coffee, MiCasa and international artists would be Jennifer Hudson and Alicia Keys (my biggest dream).

What is your favourite song to listen to when you are feeling down?

Any up-tempo song would do the trick but if I had to really choose one go-to song it would be 'Candy Rain' – it’s very old school but it’s my favourite song of all time.

Who or what inspires you?

My brother Joash inspires me daily and he pushes to me to accomplish all my goals in life. My family is very supportive, and they want to see me succeed, which keeps me motivated. I have some very close friends who want to see me reach the top and that also inspires me to work harder.

Rayleen’s debut single, 'Know You’re Greater', is available on all digital platforms, including Google Play, iTunes, and Apple Music.