Little girl, we made it

9 May 2025

As a little girl, my mind would take me on beautiful journeys, distracting me from the turmoil that surrounded my everyday life. One of those dreams was to write and perform my own music. I never envisioned a huge crowd. It was always just me — on a stage, surrounded by darkness — performing the songs I had written. For a few moments, I would experience a bliss I never thought could become my reality.

As I grew older, the dream remained intact… but I stayed silent about my desire. About my dream. It was clear to me that most people simply don’t have their dreams come true. And for me… that felt especially true. I was a dark-skinned Cape Coloured girl, with every odd stacked against her. The black sheep. The forgotten one. The invisible one.

On Wednesday, that little girl’s dream came true.

I completed a Master of Arts in Music.

As I walked across that stage to receive my qualification, I felt overwhelmed with emotion. Suddenly, that little girl and I became one. Every step I took was a step closer to her. I had forgotten how she used to spend her days dreaming about a world where music was at the centre of it all… and here I was, standing in that very moment.

I had just spent an entire year dedicated to my craft. I wrote an entire album — my own words, my work, my art. And I was awarded a Master of Arts in Music with distinction. My dream had become reality, and for the first time in my life, all the noise and pain melted away. The little girl inside beamed with happiness. I’m so glad I never forgot about her. I’m so glad I stayed true to her dream. And I’m grateful to the incredible people who crossed my path, inspiring me to continue on this journey.

But getting here wasn’t easy. Before this chapter, there were years filled with delays, detours, and doubt — a long road paved with sacrifice.

The odds were truly stacked against me. My first degree took seven years to complete, as I studied part-time and worked multiple jobs to put myself through university. I became a qualified English teacher. Luckily, I fell in love with the job — but music was always there, ringing softly in my ear. I would try to do something about it, but life always got in the way. My life was often in turmoil, and there was no room for music.

Yet still, in those dark days, I found myself writing — quietly forming melodies to soothe my soul. I kept this to myself for the longest time. It was my world — my safe space. Letting anyone in felt too dangerous.

I wasn’t completely silent, though. In my 30s, I began releasing music independently — quiet offerings into the world that felt deeply personal. With no backing, no real resources, and barely any time, I shared what I could. Those songs didn’t make waves, but they carried pieces of me — my truth, my healing, my hope. Still, it often felt like I was shouting into the wind, unseen and unheard.

I kept going, not because the world was listening, but because the music kept me alive. Each song I released, no matter how small the audience, was a promise to myself: I’m still here. I’m still dreaming.

Looking back now, I see those early tracks as stepping stones — quiet groundwork for what I’ve just accomplished. This past year felt like the first time I was truly seen. Like all the whispers became a voice. And this time, someone listened.

And now, I’m so grateful that my passion never died. That I finally found myself in a position where I could nurture it fully. I know this is something many people like me will never get to experience — which makes it even more precious.

It took decades, but my dream finally came true. And not only that — I was rewarded for my artistic pursuit. I received a piece of paper that affirms my talent as a skill. And I hope it opens new doors, not just for me, but for others like me.

Little one… we made it.

We finally made it. And I couldn’t be prouder.

The world has already heard two songs from the album, but what people don’t know is — that’s just the tip of the iceberg. What’s to come is more than just music. It’s a movement. A movement for change. A challenge to the norm. An awakening, long overdue — and I’m excited that I get to help start that conversation.

Will my album go viral? I honestly don’t know. That’s never been the goal. My hope is that it reaches the right ears — the ones who need it most. That it plants a seed of possibility, of courage, of healing. My dream isn’t to change the whole world. It’s to reach one person. And for that person to reach another. Until the ripple becomes a wave.

If you’ve ever silenced your own dream because the world told you it wasn’t realistic — this is your sign to start again. Even quietly. Even in the dark. Even if no one’s listening yet. Because dreams don’t expire. And your voice, your story, your art — deserves to be heard.

Until next time — keep the music alive and buzzing.

Carnita Bee