Born to Sing

From the American Idol stage to opening for the likes of Trey Songz and Cassidy, 24-year-old South African singer-songwriter Byron Gindra is back in Bahrain. Apple Sharma chats with him about his genre-blending sounds, latest releases and what lies ahead.

fact: You’ve been performing from a very young age. How did your professional musical journey begin?
BG: Honestly, I’ve been chasing sound since I could form sentences. Performing was always my language when words fell short. My professional journey began the moment I realised music could turn emotions into energy. From rocking small local shows to performing internationally, every stage has been a classroom, every crowd a reminder of why I do this. It’s been growth, passion and purpose all rolled into melody.

fact: You produce, record, mix and master your own music. What’s the most satisfying part of doing it all yourself?
BG: It’s complete creative freedom. Every sound, every layer, every mix carries my fingerprint. I’m not just making music; I’m building worlds that reflect exactly how I feel. There’s no filter, no middleman, just me translating emotion into sound. Knowing no one else could create that exact vibe, that’s the most powerful feeling ever.

fact: Your music moves between hip-hop, R&B and pop. What draws you to these genres?
BG: Each one unlocks a different side of me. Hip-hop gives me the raw truth, R&B lets me dive into emotion and pop keeps things playful and limitless. Together, they create this balance between edge and soul that keeps my sound evolving. I never want to be boxed in. I want people to hear something unexpected every time.

fact: At 17, you took second place at the International ARTS Talent Showcase in Orlando and later made the top 100 for American Idol Season 16. What was it like stepping onto that international stage so young?
BG: It was surreal, like stepping into a dream I’d been rehearsing my whole life. I was surrounded by insanely talented artists from around the world and it pushed me to level up fast. American Idol showed me I could hold my own with the best, and that fire never left. It made me hungrier, more confident and ready for any stage.

fact: Tell us a little about your new album LOST & FOUND released earlier this year and your latest single Cant Press Me that came out just over a month ago. What inspired these?
BG: LOST & FOUND came from a place of growth and losing parts of myself, then finding my strength again. It’s personal, it’s real. Can’t Press Me carries that same energy. it’s about standing tall no matter what comes your way. Both represent who I am now: focussed, unshakable and free.

fact: You’re now based in Bahrain. Are there any new projects in the pipeline and where can we expect to see you?
BG: Bahrain’s been amazing. The energy, the people, the culture – it’s inspired me in new ways. I’ve got fresh collaborations in the works, some bold visuals and live shows that’ll bring my sound to life. Expect the unexpected. I’m just getting started.

fact: If you could create your dream collaboration (any artist, any genre), who’d be on that track and why?
BG: I’d say The Weeknd. His sound is dark, cinematic and emotional – that space between pain and power. Mixing that with my energy would be crazy. I love working with artists who aren’t afraid to break rules. ✤

Fun Facts

Morning or midnight studio sessions?
Midnight. That’s when the real magic hits.
The song that best describes yourself.
Can’t Press Me. Pressure just fuels my fire.
Three words that sum up your vibe.
Rebel. Visionary. Limitless.
Top artist on your current playlist.
Lil Yachty and Yeat – both redefine what music can sound like.
Future dream headline: “Byron Gindra…”
“Byron Gindra – Madison Square Garden.”