Pop
South Africa
Nakhane
Latest Release
About Nakhane
Inspired by the words and ideas of American writer James Baldwin—along with the ethereal vocals of Anohni and the abstract experimental electronics behind Radiohead—Nakhane is fondly referred to as the Messiah of South African indie rock. An old musical soul in a young body, this extremely gifted Port Elizabeth-born polymath found acclaim with his eclectic 2013 debut, Brave Confusion, telling the sublime story of the emancipation of a young, gay and Xhosa man in 21st century Africa. His journey continued with 2018’s sophomore release, You Will Not Die, which vividly dealt with issues of sexuality, religion and teenage angst. Produced by Ben Christophers (Bat For Lashes), the result is a fluid, inventive pop album brimming with swagger and theatricality, enriched by African percussion, immaculate harmonies and deep, bass-laden arrangements that perfectly complement Nakhane’s soaring, soulful tenor. Elsewhere, Nakhane has also made waves as an actor, starring in John Trengove’s multi-award-winning Inxeba (The Wound), a film that lifts the veil on the traditional initiation rituals into manhood practised within Xhosa culture.
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