From Allanridge to National Stardom
At just 22 years old, rising singer Bello M is quickly becoming one of South Africa’s most talked-about new voices thanks to the explosive success of “Sthandwa Sam”, the smash hit by 2Point1 featuring Bello M.
The music video for the song has already surpassed 57 million YouTube views, turning the Free State-born vocalist into an overnight sensation. Yet despite the massive success, Bello M still describes herself as “an upcoming artist with a huge song.”
Speaking to TheJournalistDJ.com, the singer admitted that the success of the record caught her completely off guard.
“I never thought it would be this big,” she said. “I never even took music as something I’d fully pursue. The song just changed everything for me.”
The Song That Changed Everything
Bello M revealed that “Sthandwa Sam” was created alongside 2Point1, Epic DJ, and was recorded in the Free State before unexpectedly blowing up on TikTok.
According to her, the success came organically through fans rather than a planned marketing campaign.
“I never posted the music video or pushed the song,” she explained. “I just woke up and TikTok did whatever it did.”
The viral success quickly transformed her life, bringing endless bookings, sleepless nights, and a packed performance schedule stretching months ahead.
“From now until July I’m fully booked,” she said. “The more the song grows, the more gigs I get.”
Inspired by the Idea of Love
While “Sthandwa Sam” has become a national love anthem, Bello M said the song was written long before she fully experienced the type of romance she sings about.
“I just love love,” she said with a laugh. “I always wanted that kind of love I wrote about. I wrote the song before I even experienced it.”
Her emotional storytelling and soft vocal delivery have become part of the song’s appeal, helping connect with millions of listeners across South Africa and beyond.
Growing Up in a Musical Family
Music has always been part of Bello M’s life. Her mother, a former musician known as Sesi M, played a major role in shaping her artistic journey, although not in the way many would expect.
The singer revealed that her mother initially discouraged her from pursuing music because of the hardships she experienced in the industry.
“She never wanted me to become a musician because things didn’t work out for her,” Bello M explained. “I used to write music in secret.”
Ironically, it was her mother who eventually recognised the potential of “Sthandwa Sam.”
“She told me, ‘That’s your song,’” Bello M recalled.
Proudly Representing the Free State
Despite her growing fame and constant trips to Johannesburg, Bello M still proudly calls the Free State home.
The singer said she believes there is enormous untapped talent in the province, although many artists eventually relocate to Johannesburg for bigger opportunities.
“There are a lot of talented people in the Free State,” she said. “But when you come to Joburg, there are more opportunities and bigger deals.”
Building Her Brand Beyond Music
Beyond music, Bello M is also developing her entrepreneurial side through her “Bello M One Woman Show” events, which launched successfully in the Free State last year.
She now hopes to expand the concept into a national tour.
“I love money and I love working for my money,” she said confidently. “I want to grow the shows bigger this year.”
New Music and a Debut Album
The rising star also used the interview to encourage fans to stream her debut project, “Who Is Bello M?”, which showcases her versatility across multiple genres.
“It has different sounds that I’ve experimented with,” she explained. “And there’s still more music coming.”
With one of the country’s biggest songs already under her belt, Bello M’s journey appears to only be getting started.
