South African artist Giselle Niemand has made a decisive move in her career with the release of her latest single, ‘Fake Love’. The track is an electrifying slice of polished global pop that highlights the young singer's growing maturity, both in her vocal performance and her approach to songwriting.
At just sixteen, Giselle has penned a message that is both deeply personal and universally resonant: the moment you realise the affection you're receiving isn't genuine and the strength that comes from walking away. Instead of your typical heartbreak anthem, ‘Fake Love’ is a narrative of empowerment and growth. Giselle’s vocal performance is key here, balancing moments of soft vulnerability with a confident, almost defiant certainty in her delivery.
Giving the track its slick, international edge is Grammy-nominated producer Manny Mijares, whose impressive resumé includes working with artists like Dua Lipa, Kelly Rowland, and Craig David. Manny brings a clean, crisp sonic feel to the production, blending warm, layered harmonies with a driving beat and a seriously catchy hook. It's a stadium-ready sound that sets Giselle up as a talent with clear global ambition.
Reflecting on the track, Giselle candidly explained her motivation came from a place of emotional honesty: “’Fake Love’ came from a very honest place. I wrote it during a moment when I realised that not everyone who says they care about you actually means it. It became a song about choosing yourself.”
Giselle’s journey to becoming a global pop force is rooted in Johannesburg, where she cultivated her natural talent across singing, acting, dancing, and modelling. These early experiences—from representing South Africa at the World Championships of Performing Arts to walking at New York Fashion Week—have shaped her into an assured performer with genuine stage presence. Previous singles like ‘Later’ and ‘Lovers Do’ first introduced her as a rising voice, but ‘Fake Love’ feels like a true coming-of-age moment.
Now building an active audience spanning South Africa, Spain, Dubai, and the US, Giselle is establishing herself as one of the most exciting young names in pop. For more from Giselle Niemand, be sure to follow her today on Instagram.
