South African artist Una Rams, a singer, songwriter, and producer reveals his innermost self with unprecedented vulnerability. His first album, meet me at the altar, is a profound and poetic collection that immortalizes a pivotal chapter in his life: the journey toward marriage, embracing manhood, and a conscious commitment to love in all its forms.
The project originated as a modest concept for a wedding playlist but quickly evolved into a complete, genre-defying album. It masterfully blends Afro-fusion, soul, R&B, and the unique sonic textures of Una’s Venda heritage. In this way, meet me at the altar transformed into a vessel for preserving not just emotions, but memory; not only moments, but their deeper significance.
“This is the first time I’ve been able to write about my life in real time,” Una shares. “Instead of reflecting on the past, I wanted to honour what was happening as it happened. This is an album dedicated to my now-wife, but it’s also a celebration of tradition, family, and faith. I want these songs to live on not just for us, but for generations.”
A sacred sense of purpose connects every song on the album. From the tender closeness of nguwe to the celebratory beats of takala, the record flows with the rhythm of a wedding ceremony itself, capturing slow dances, heartfelt speeches, family interactions, laughter, and raw vulnerability. The music refuses to be hurried or polished to a sterile perfection; it is intentionally crafted to feel authentic.
The lead single, tshinakaho, is a vibrant cultural anthem that has already gained tremendous popularity across Limpopo and further afield. Its energetic production and lyrics rooted in pride and purpose have made it a staple at weddings within Venda communities. The track, often played during traditional ceremonies, has been widely adopted as a joyous affirmation of both love and cultural identity.
“Seeing tshinakaho played at weddings, with people dancing in traditional regalia, has been one of the proudest moments of my life,” Una says. “That song isn’t just mine anymore, it belongs to the people. And that’s what this whole album is about. Creating music that feels communal. That reminds us who we are and what we come from.”
During the creation of meet me at the altar, Una delved into cultural research and family traditions, seeking to understand the profound meanings behind the rites and customs that shaped his own path to marriage. These lessons were not confined to the studio; they became an integral part of the music itself.
“I wanted to distill tradition into sound,” he explains. “To make a kind of sonic museum, something that reminds and teaches at the same time. This album isn’t just for now. I hope it becomes the soundtrack to people’s love lives for years to come.”
From prayers to declarations on the dance floor, meet me at the altar explores the sacred spaces where we make commitments. It honors the places where we choose to stand for love whether gently, bravely, or with unwavering resolve. The album pays tribute to every expression of love, from public vows to the quiet decisions made in everyday life.
This debut is, in every sense, a work built upon a foundation of truth. It signifies not merely the arrival of a compelling artist, but the emergence of a man dedicated to building a lasting legacy through the power of sound.
Related: Made Kuti on Legacy, Creativity, and Where Happiness Comes From
