About

Carla Franco

A fearless voice in South Africa's alternative music scene — a Cape Town–based singer-songwriter known for her raw authenticity, genre-bending sound, and emotionally charged live performances. Born with hearing loss in both ears and wearing hearing aids for most of her life, she hasn't been defined by circumstance — instead, she's transformed her experience into powerful, emotionally rich storytelling.

She debuted in 2022 with Chapter I, a deeply personal introduction to her artistry, followed by her critically acclaimed sophomore album Layers in 2023 — a genre-spanning project released in three parts, featuring 14 songs and multiple local collaborations. The album earned her a South African Music Award (SAMA) nomination for Best Alternative Album and won the Afri-Indie Award for Best Album by an Artist with a Disability, cementing her place among South Africa's most exciting emerging artists.

With multiple charting singles and national radio support — including collaborations that have reached #1 on major South African stations — Carla Franco continues to build momentum through both her recordings and captivating live performances.

In April 2026, she released her third studio album — a deeply personal project marking her most vulnerable offering yet, embracing a more stripped-back and intimate sonic approach while showcasing the emotional depth that's become central to her artistry. She curated and hosted her own album launch, which sold out. Despite the album landing as a complete 10-track body of work, she's confirmed that two surprise songs will follow — dropping for the Deaf Girl Gang in September and October.