'MY BIGGEST INSECURITY'

Miss South Africa 2024 Mia Le Roux, the first deaf winner of the title, says music is one of her “biggest insecurities”. 

The Kapenaar caused a stir with her red carpet interview at the weekend. 

Speaking to presenter Mpumi Mlambo, she was asked who her favourite artist is.

She answered: “Within the music industry I don't have a favourite South African artists as I am deaf, so I do not listen to music.”

It sparked an internet frenzy, with mense wanting to know why she was even at an event involving music.

But Le Roux put out a statement on her social media accounts explaining her experience with music. 

She wrote: “Within the deaf community, everyone experiences music differently. Some perform entire songs in South African Sign Language (SASL). Others feel music through rhythm and vibration.

“I use cochlear implants which help me perceive sound - but I have nothing to compare it to, as I’ll never truly know what someone without a device hears.

“Growing up music was always something I tried to connect with - especially because of my family. I remember my dad playing Love Gets Old by Wouter Kellerman.

“I could see how it moved him. That memory stayed with me - not just because of the sound, but because of the emotion and meaning behind it. That’s what I connected to.”

“At the Metro Awards when asked about my favourite artist or song, I didn't want to give a superficial answer or name an artist I couldn't fully appreciate in the the way they deserve. I was trying to be respectful - not evasive.”