Rowlene Unveils Emotional New Single “Hurts 2b Reminded” Ahead of Upcoming Album “Some Strings Attached”

South African singer-songwriter Rowlene has released her latest single, “Hurts 2b Reminded,” adding another emotionally rich layer to her upcoming album Some Strings Attached, set for release on 12 August 2026. The new track arrives shortly after her previous single “Last Seen,” continuing a carefully structured rollout that focuses on healing, memory and emotional growth. With this release, Rowlene deepens her reputation for honest storytelling that connects personal experience with universal emotion. The song explores the lingering impact of past relationships and the unexpected ways memories can resurface even after healing begins. It positions the upcoming album as one of her most introspective projects to date.

According to Rowlene, “Hurts 2b Reminded” captures those sudden emotional moments when the past returns without warning. She explains that the song reflects how certain places, sounds and memories can bring back feelings tied to people who are no longer part of one’s present life. The track focuses on emotional echoes rather than physical absence, showing how deeply human connections can remain even after separation. Instead of framing the experience as simple heartbreak, the song explores the complexity of moving forward while still being shaped by what came before. This approach gives the single a reflective tone that resonates with listeners navigating similar emotional experiences.

While the writing process for the song came naturally, Rowlene has shared that performing it brings a different emotional intensity. She describes the experience as confronting feelings she once had to set aside in order to grow. The act of singing the lyrics forces her to revisit moments she has already processed, creating a layered emotional response each time she performs it. She explains that the song reminds her of the difficult truth that nothing in life remains permanent. This honesty adds depth to the track and reinforces its central theme of acceptance through reflection.

One of the most powerful lines in the song, “Why do I have to lose you, just to find me my friend,” highlights the emotional core of the single. Rowlene has revealed that this lyric reflects real experiences from the past decade of her life. She speaks about having to let go of relationships that did not end due to conflict or tragedy but rather due to life paths naturally moving in different directions. These connections, while still existing in a physical sense, became distant as personal growth and change created separation. The song explores how emotional closure is not always tied to loss in the traditional sense but can come from life transitions that reshape relationships over time.

“Hurts 2b Reminded” serves as the second single from Some Strings Attached, giving listeners a clearer understanding of the emotional direction of the full project. The album continues to build on themes introduced in “Last Seen,” focusing on vulnerability, reflection and self-discovery. Musically, the track blends R&B foundations with subtle African influences, maintaining Rowlene’s signature sound that balances smooth production with heartfelt lyricism. Her ability to merge intimate storytelling with accessible melodies continues to set her apart in the South African music landscape. Each release from the album rollout adds another piece to a larger emotional narrative that listeners can follow and connect with.

Alongside the release of the single, Rowlene achieved another significant milestone in her career by being selected as the cover artist for Apple Music’s Alpha Women playlist. The playlist highlights female artists who express strength through authenticity, vulnerability and individuality in their music. This recognition places Rowlene among a group of artists celebrated for their ability to communicate emotion with honesty and depth. She responded to the honour with gratitude, noting that strength does not always need to be loud to be meaningful. Instead, she emphasized that true power can be found in the courage to feel deeply and share personal truth through art.

Rowlene also dedicated the recognition to independent artists, small creative teams and women who continue to create despite challenges in the industry. Her message reflects a broader awareness of the effort and resilience required to sustain a career in music. It also aligns with the emotional themes present in her latest single, reinforcing the idea that personal expression and persistence are closely linked. By sharing her own journey alongside her music, she continues to build a strong connection with listeners who value authenticity. This connection is a key reason her work continues to resonate across diverse audiences.

With “Hurts 2b Reminded” now available on all major streaming platforms, anticipation for Some Strings Attached continues to grow ahead of its release. The single offers a clear glimpse into the emotional depth and storytelling that listeners can expect from the full album. Rowlene’s focus on memory, healing and personal growth positions the project as one of her most meaningful bodies of work yet. As she prepares for the album launch, her music continues to reflect both personal experience and universal emotion. The upcoming release is set to further establish her as one of South Africa’s most compelling voices in contemporary R&B.

Stream Hurts 2b Reminded HERE