Boston

Holly Rey, chart topper, producer, artist and all-round hard-worker has decided to register at Boston City Campus & Business College for the Music Production Course.

Holly initially approached Boston to secure a Bursary for one of her Dancers who wanted to study music production. Boston then offered both girls the opportunity to complete the course together. “Yes, I am excited to be joining my Dancer particularly since the qualification will add such huge value to my career and ability as a producer and artist”, she says. She added that she was extremely grateful to Boston for generously affording her dancer Sanelisewe Njoko the opportunity to realise her dream to become a producer too. “It is important to me that the people who work with me are enriched and grow through their time and experience with me.”

  Holly Rey’s ‘Deeper’, a compelling Afro-House track streaked to Number One on every major radio chart. In the build-up to the SAMAs, the video for ‘Deeper’ smashed through 5.5 million views.

   This artist is dedicated, filled with perseverance and not scared of hard work!  At the annual South African Music Awards, Holly Rey says, “I sat there with no idea what was about to happen”. “Record of the year is decided by the public through votes. It could have gone either way.”  ‘Deeper’ was named in the top spot!  She was the first female artist to win this accolade in 20 years.

 Holly Rey has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA). With all this going on, how will she fit in her studies? “The fact that this course is online will enable me to study on the go. I will be able to work in hotel rooms and airports, whenever and wherever I can find the time. Sanelisewe and I can work on the run.”

  What character traits enabled her to become such a trail blazer? “Fearlessness.  I am not afraid to stand up for my creative vision and I have found a way to be firm without being pushy or “difficult” as most female artists with their own vision and plans are often labelled. Hard work is the only key to success, and beats talent when talent does not work”

 She also believes that women can be industry leaders.  “Have the confidence to put yourself out there. You will find that you are surrounded by men who have had more opportunities to exercise and hone their skills. Do not let it intimidate you. Approach everything with an open mind and a boundless need to learn and grow. Take the criticism and use it to build a strong foundation. Keep on keeping on. You will get stronger and better at your craft with every twist and turn.” 

  While some parents may be concerned sending off students into the music industry to seek a career, Holly Rey advises, “To the parents I say “stop it”. Stop undermining the power of the creative industry to provide happy healthy space for your kids to prosper. The industry has evolved so much and creatives are able to own their power in the industry. Empower your creative kids to gain the knowledge they need to be business people in the industry.  To the students I say “do not chase fame”. If you come into this industry wanting to be famous it will eat you alive. The predators will see you as prey. Come into this industry because you want to be the best at what you do. Come into this industry because you want to constantly grow, improve your craft and become a person who contributes to our cultural and creative economy. I paid for my entire degree and post graduate degree through music. This is a business. Learn the business, respect the business and you will prosper.”  

  Holly Rey finishes, saying, “Never underestimate the power of hard work. There is no such thing as luck.  For 10 years I had people telling me I did not belong and I would never make it. My belief was stronger than their doubt. Believe. “