By Michelle Strydom
When was your first performance? What was the experience like?
My first real performance on a professional level was in 2002, I was in grade 11 at the time. I was asked by friends of mine and colleagues who were African music students at the University of Cape Town (UCT) to sing at their recital exams. This was very exciting for me, it was a new experience. I would spend my school holidays at the campus preparing for the performances. The campus was buzzing with an energy and excitement I couldn’t get enough of. Some performances took place at the Baxter theatre and others took place in the campus hall. The one that stands out for me was with guitarist and composer, Maxwell Vidima. We were singing Shona music from his homeland, Zimbabwe. It was electric and the crowd was roaring with excitement. I remember thinking to myself “this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”
What is the message behind your debut album True Call?
The music from True Call was written at a time when I was seeking my purpose and the meaning of being an artist in the time we live in. True Call was an attempt to connect with God, the source of creation and inspiration. It was me answering the call and agreeing to be the vessel from which it comes. I believe the music already knows what it wants to say, sometimes we just haven’t lived long enough or truthful enough to hear and understand the message. The message behind this album is that we have all we need within us. Our purpose is embedded in each of us, and you find it by living in truth.
What did you learn from making this album?
Patience, patience and more patience. The beauty about releasing this album is that I am in control of the direction and pace at which my career grows. I’ve learned to never give away your power too easily if at all.
What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?
My biggest highlight thus far is having people like Bab’ Themba Mkhize, Sibongile Khumalo and Bra Don Laka listen to my work and say amazing things about it. This reassures me that I am on the right path. Another great thing is having my work featured on some film projects. I also got to work with amazing musicians and artists like Jimmy Dludlu, Sara Taraves, Charles Mingus and Manou Gallo at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival.
What advice would you give to youngsters pursuing a music career?
Never stop learning and trying to better yourself. Make it your business to know about the business. Don’t settle for average and try new things. Collaborate as much as you can. That thing that scares you, do it. Know and understand that there is no one like you, therefore there is no need to compete. Listen to musicians who are better than you. Understand that you have a duty to take South African music to the next level. Most of all, have fun!
What is next for Nono Nkoane?
I’ll be doing a few performances in Cape Town from Thursday, 5 May to Saturday, 7 May. I’m working with the Native Jazz Yard, Moholo House and others. On the second weekend of June I’ll be playing at The Chairman, Jazzy Rainbow and the Rainbow restaurant in Durban. I’m currently working on a bass and vocal duo project called Nomad, featuring myself on vocals and Gally Ngoveni on bass. We will also incorporate some electronics. The project will be released this year. I will also be doing some collaborative work with German jazz musician Povel Widestrand.
You can purchase
True Call from
iTunes here.