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RAMONA C Sophie Wilkinson talks to Ramona Ciceoan about her desire to make her own music, mixing pop with folkloric styles to pay tribute to her Romanian heritage. After knowing Ramona for over 10 years, I’m a little embarrassed that I didn’t know how well she sang. She’s not just good, she’s really good. When I was forwarded a clip of her new track ‘Don’t Worry About Me’, I was astounded at how brilliant she is and knew instantly that I wanted to speak to her about her talent. When I met Ramona she was just as I remember – bubbly, chatty and awfully stylish. I ask her where she purchased her diamanté clad jeans from and was amazed to hear that she had customised them herself - she later told me her father was a tailor and her mother makes folkloric costumes, so it’s no surprise she has an eye for fashion and a unique style. Before we start talking about anything interview-esque, Ramona whips out her phone and immediately beams about her new housemate. By housemate, she means her friend’s Sphynx cat she is currently looking after. “I’m not normally a cat person, but I just love her. I can’t wait to get home and play with her and feed her. She sits on my lap and purrs, she’s just so cute! Look…..” She coo’s and ahh’s whilst showing me picture after picture of her new friend. I’m also not a cat person, so I respond with pictures of my baby – as any overly proud mother would! Once we’ve finished gossiping, we turn the conversation to Ramona’s musical journey. 32