From studio to proposal: the journey of 'Favourite Person'

WHEN Cameron Emmanuel first wrote Favourite Person, it wasn’t meant for the woman he would one day propose to. It was one of several tracks inspired by a different season of his life. But fate has a way of flipping the script.

Today, Favourite Person is the soundtrack of a real love story - one that started in a studio and led to a proposal. It’s the debut single from Emmanuel featuring Lequicia Astrid. It is a heartfelt Afropop duet born out of serendipity, shared pain, and an unexpected turn of events.

Emmanuel grew up surrounded by music. He was raised on the melodies of the Bee Gees, the Beatles, and Simon & Garfunkel. He picked up a guitar at just 8 years old, and by 16 was teaching himself keys, while watching Idols SA and admiring artists like Khaya Mthethwa, who would later become a mentor and collaborator.

Astrid, a powerhouse vocalist and former winner of Chatsworth’s Got Talent, had only met Emmanuel once before they linked up for studio sessions at Wave Productions. She was navigating her own storm of grief after the recent passing of her mum. When  Emmanuel offered her a list of tracks to choose from for a collaboration, she gravitated to one in particular - Favourite Person.

What she did not know was that the song had been written while Emmanuel was seeing someone else.

“That’s the irony,” Astrid said. 

“It was written with someone else in mind. But when we sang it together, it became ours.”

The track’s core was produced during a TikTok Live by Durban-based DJ Keys (David Govender). Live on air, Keys started mixing the foundation of the beat. Days later, Emmanuel and Astrid were adding lyrics, refining verses, and finding their harmony - both musically and personally.

Months later, Emmanuel proposed and Astrid said yes.

Favourite Person is already creating waves on social media. The song has drawn excitement from listeners praising its heartfelt lyrics, vocal blend, and relatable message - perfect for those who have found love where they least expected it.

“I want my music to feel real,” said  Emmanuel. 

“So many artists chase the next big hit. But I want to write songs that mean something, songs that reflect where we are, who we’re with, and what we’re feeling at the moment. Favourite Person did that for us.”

Astrid said she hoped the song reminded people that even in the chaos of life, there was still room for connection, healing, and joy.

“Sometimes love is in the background, quietly waiting for you to notice,” she said.

Favourite Person will be available on all streaming platforms on June 27. 

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