New Music Friday: Exclusive with Singer&Songwriter, Ranwin Le-Roy

From the soulful strength of “I Am Enough” to the unfiltered vulnerability of “Cried”, Ranwin Le-Roy has never been afraid to show us his heart. In this exclusive Q&A, he lets us behind the curtain of his latest track one born from pain, but rooted in power, and reflects on the journey that’s shaped his ever-evolving artistry.

We caught up with him ahead of his highly anticipated single drop “Cried.” He opens up about heartbreak, healing, and harnessing raw emotion to create music that hits deep.

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GLAMOUR: Ranwin, your new single “Cried” is dropped on August 22. Can you take us behind the scenes of its creation — what inspired the song and what story does it tell?

Ranwin Le-Roy: It came from one of the most painful moments of my life — my most recent breakup, just a few days before Christmas. My partner had completely broken my heart. I remember feeling overwhelmed, lost, and with nowhere to turn… so I cried. Writing has always been my outlet, almost like leaving a personal message for the person who hurt me. As I wrote, the phrase “I cried” kept repeating itself. That became the heartbeat of the song. It’s about that raw space between heartbreak and healing — where you’re still broken, but you’re already building yourself back up.

GLAMOUR: The emotion in “Cried” feels raw and personal. Was this track drawn from your own experiences, and how vulnerable was it for you to put those feelings into music?

Ranwin Le-Roy: Absolutely. This one is deeply personal. I really loved this person — they brought out qualities in me I didn’t even know I had. Losing them was tough because every reminder felt like reopening the wound. Am I completely over it? Maybe not. But I’m doing well and moving forward. For me, “Cried” isn’t just about the sadness — it’s about reclaiming my power. Yes, I cried, but I’m still that emotional gangster who doesn’t stay down for long.

GLAMOUR: Your discography spans from soulful ballads to high-energy tracks. Where does “Cried” fit into your musical evolution, and how does it differ from your previous releases?

Ranwin Le-Roy: It’s close in energy to “I Am Enough,” but while that track was about taking a stand, “Cried” is more introspective — it’s me letting myself be vulnerable before stepping into my strength. It’s a softer roar, but still a roar.

GLAMOUR: South Africa has a rich and diverse musical landscape. How have your roots and upbringing influenced your sound and the way you approach songwriting?

Ranwin Le-Roy: I love my country and its diversity. In my cultural upbringing, we never addressed emotions and I wasn’t very expressive; eventually, I started writing and the spark in my emotions transferred into the music. Even in “I Am Enough,” I embraced that by collaborating with Jodi Steele on the spoken-word intro, which gave the song a different cultural texture. That spirit of blending influences is something I always carry into my music.

GLAMOUR: If you had to describe “Cried” in just three words for fans who haven’t heard it yet, what would they be?

Ranwin Le-Roy: Reclaim. Raw. Depth.

GLAMOUR: Looking back on your earlier releases, what are some defining moments in your discography that shaped you as the artist you are today?

Ranwin Le-Roy: “I Am Enough” was a turning point — it charted well, but more than that, it resonated deeply with people. Working with Jodi Steele on that track was magical. She’s an incredible artist with such beautiful energy, and we created something powerful together. That song still holds a special place in my heart, alongside “Burnt,” which I also poured my soul into.

GLAMOUR: Collaborations are a big part of your career. Are there any South African artists or international names you dream of working with next?

Ranwin Le-Roy: In South Africa, Shekhinah is at the top of my list — she’s an insanely talented musician with such a soulful, sultry voice. Internationally, I’d love to work again with Emeli Sandé and Paris Hilton, who are not only my iconic mentors but also incredible musicians. And of course, Christina Aguilera and Nicki Minaj — two legends I’ve admired my entire life.

GLAMOUR: Fashion has always been a subtle part of your public image. How would you describe your personal style, and does it influence your stage presence or music videos?

Ranwin Le-Roy: Fashion is pure fun for me. I’ve styled myself from a young age, and I love collaborating with designers who inspire me. For this shoot, I worked with J. Wu, an incredible Chinese designer. I also adore Olivier Rousteing (Balmain), Jovana Benoit (Jovana Louis), Jason Kieck, and Donatella Versace — they all create with boldness and drama, which is how I like to carry myself on stage.

GLAMOUR: In today’s fast-paced music industry, singles often come and go quickly. How do you make sure your music leaves a lasting impact?

Ranwin Le-Roy: I believe lasting impact comes from emotional honesty. Trends fade, but feelings stick. My songs are never just about making noise — they’re about telling a truth, whether it’s joyful or painful, and letting listeners see themselves in it.

GLAMOUR: What can fans expect from you after “Cried”? Is this the beginning of a new era or sound we’ll see more of in your future projects?

Ranwin Le-Roy: Definitely a new era. “Cried” is part of a bigger emotional arc I’m working on — exploring vulnerability, strength, and self-discovery. There are surprises coming, and maybe even some unexpected collaborations.

GLAMOUR: Finally, what message do you hope listeners will take away from “Cried” when they hear it for the first time?

Ranwin Le-Roy: Whatever you’re going through — feel it. Not everyone is fortunate enough to love, to care, or to feel deeply. Even the emotions that hurt mean you’ve experienced something real. Joy is easy to share, but sadness is often a private journey — and it’s okay to sit with it before you rise again.

Fashion brand: SAMEYETALK
Designer: J.wu
Creative Director: Alessio Filippelli
Makeup Artist: Sean Zhang with Fenty Beauty
Hair Stylist: Xiao Du, Sean ZhangPhotography: Bo Hu, Randall Zhao
Editing: XiaoMeng Wu, Randall Zhao