Rowlene's "Breakaway" Captures The Pain And Power Of Letting Go

Cape Town-born artist Rowlene (born Rowlene Bosman) has transformed childhood echoes of school choir harmonies into a powerful musical voice.

MUSIC

ONERPM

3/14/20252 min read

Growing up as the middle child and only daughter in Elsies River, her early years were shaped by resilience and melody—a foundation that now fuels her heartfelt R&B storytelling. With “Breakaway,” Rowlene turns personal reflection into universal catharsis, blending raw emotion with soulful clarity.

“Breakaway” captures the raw ache of a relationship teetering on the edge of collapse. The song’s narrator grapples with a partner who offers fleeting affection but no commitment, weaving between vulnerability and resolve. Lyrics like “You can’t save me for later, you should make up your mind” lay bare the exhaustion of being strung along, while the chorus—“I’m breaking away, before I fade away” —becomes a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever chosen self-respect over lingering doubt. Rowlene’s velvety vocals glide over the melody, balancing tenderness with unshakable clarity, as if each note is both a goodbye and a rebirth.

The production mirrors this emotional duality. Gentle piano chords and hushed percussion evoke the quiet introspection of a rainy day spent reflecting on love lost, while shimmering synths add a touch of cinematic grandeur. The arrangement feels like a heartbeat—steady, intimate, and alive—drawing listeners into Rowlene’s world of bittersweet liberation. It’s a song that doesn’t just tell a story but invites you to feel every rain-soaked step of the journey from heartache to healing.

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About Rowlene:

Born Rowylene Nicole Bosman, she is a South African singer-songwriter from Cape Town. She gained prominence with her 2020 hit "SMA" featuring Nasty C. Her 2022 EP “Frequency”, collaborating with Nigerian artists WurlD, Blaqbonez, and Oxlade, showcased her genre-blending style. Follow-up projects include the festive Santa's Baby (2023) and Moments In Between (2024), which explore love's complexities.

Her 2024 single "Sweet Escape" (produced by Gemini Major and Brian Soko) delves into romance, while 2025’s "PLAYING GAMES (Demo)" offers an unfiltered look at her creative process.

About ONErpm:

ONErpm is a global music company offering artists digital distribution, marketing, and publishing services, empowering them with the tools and support needed to succeed in today's music industry

“Breakaway” is now available on all streaming platforms.