Neo-Latin band Cielo Groove and R&B singer Saima Gaines have made a standout impact in the Real Figures Don’t F.O.L.D Song Contest. Their partnership has become one of the most talked-about stories of the Contest, with their entry qualifying for the Finals as a high-scoring runner-up.

Bringing together the established singer stepping beyond the shadow of her early auto-tune image, and the laid-back band known for persuasive, organic music, the collaboration was built on a shared commitment to authenticity.

In a Contest created to raise awareness of bullying in hobby spaces, their presence has struck a chord with readers and listeners alike.

What does the Contest mean to you?

For Saima, the Contest is not just a platform, but a chance to be heard on her own terms.

The Contest means a lot to me because it gives me the space to show who I really am as an artist. People know the version of me they expected to hear before, but this is about proving I can stand in my own voice. And doing that in a Contest with a real purpose behind it makes it even more meaningful.

Cielo Groove echoed that sense of purpose, saying the Contest’s message aligns closely with the kind of music they want to make.

We liked that this was about more than competition. It’s about standing up against bullying and supporting people in creative spaces. That matters to us. Music should bring people together, not push them down.

Tell us about your version of the song.

Their Finals entry reflects the chemistry that first brought them together: warm, unforced, and grounded in emotional truth. Rather than chasing trends, the pair focused on making something that felt lived-in and real.

We wanted the production to be alive. There’s enough space in the arrangement, because we wanted the feeling to lead, and we had every faith in Saima to provide the voice.

Saima adds that the process was also a personal reset.

I approached it with a lot more restraint than people might expect; I didn’t want to use any effects at all. I wanted the performance to be authentic and honest, and I really wanted to work with [Cielo Groove] because they understood that immediately.

If not you, which Finalist would you like to see win?

Both Acts were generous in their praise for the field.

Saima singles out Soline Bellefort for her poise and command.

[Soline] stood out to me straight away; there’s something very assured about her. She carries herself like someone who knows exactly where she belongs.

Cielo Groove pointed to Axel King (and The Roses) as a major presence in the Finals.

[Axel] has that passion, and kind of momentum you can feel; you just can’t ignore him when he’s on stage.

What comes after the Contest?

Saima says she hopes to continue refining her sound, building a new reputation based on vocal strength and artistic control. Cielo Groove is focused on expanding their reach while staying true to their style.

We’ll keep making music that feels natural to us. Everything is on the table; we just want it to stay honest.

Will They Work Together Again?

According to Saima, the answer is yes.

Absolutely! This collaboration gave me something I didn’t know I needed: support, and the freedom to be more myself. I’d work with them again in a heartbeat.

Cielo Groove are equally enthusiastic.

We bonded over true music; that’s not something you forget. If the right song comes along, we’d love to do it again.

In a Finals lineup full of strong personalities and standout performances, Cielo Groove and Saima Gaines have emerged as a collaboration with both heart and substance. Their journey through the Contest reflects the spirit of the event itself: making space for artists to be heard, respected, and supported.

About the Contest

Real Figures Don’t F.O.L.D is a collaboration between CATAWOL Records and the MODE Family, in the form of a song contest. 32 of the label’s most talented Acts compete to create the campaign’s official anthem, raising awareness of bullying in hobby spaces.

CATAWOL Records is proud to support the Finalists as they share their voices on a larger stage, while celebrating creativity, resilience, and community.