Nobuhle is an Afro-pop and jazz artist on the rise

Nobuhle Nyirenda’s venture into music began at a young age when her mother noticed her love for music.

While growing up, she imitated the singing styles of popular South African vocalist Brenda Fassie and the female band Mohatella Queens.

She attended Rosettenville Central Primary School and later moved to Alberton.

“I started guitar lessons and learnt to play within six months. Learning the guitar led to more opportunities,” said Nyirenda.

“I got the opportunity to travel to Nigeria for the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).”

The recognition she received from the awards opened the door for opportunities to play at festivals and events. She also released a music video.

“As an upcoming artist, I depend on my nine-to-five job and pursue my passion for music on the weekends when I do gigs. Working full-time helps to pay for the things such as music videos, costumes and directors,” said Nyirenda.

Reaching for the stars

She recently did a collaboration with a Chilean pop star, Karla Grunewaldt, which she believes will open more doors to travel and perform.

“I professionally ventured into music in 2016 when I worked on a studio album that premiered in 2017. However, long before 2016, I was making music by writing, composing and doing song covers,” said the Afro-pop artist.

She highlights her musical journey would have been easier if she was not an independent artist, as it comes with its own challenges.

“My experience as a music agent gave me access to information about the music industry. There are challenges when signed to a record label, as not always meeting their expectations.”

Her first love for music comes from contemporary RnB music. “Seeing the scramble for a Pan African reach and its importance, I chose the Afro-pop and Afro-jazz genres to reach a wider audience. I do not want to be boxed in. My craft does not confine me to one audience,” said Nyirenda.

Music technique and style

Her music style fuses several African sounds such as the guitar, kora (African harp), flute, and saxophone. She tries to incorporate traditional-sounding instruments into her music and uses techniques of stringing her guitar to sound African rather than ‘pop’.

She sings in this genre to not confine herself but to be in touch with her African roots.

Overcoming every obstacle

“My biggest challenge is representing myself as an artist as a brand. The music industry can sometimes be closed to artists and music that the public is unfamiliar with.

“I have noticed that community and student media publications are more receptive to independent artists. The biggest challenge is not from producing the music, but figuring out what to do with the product you have created – whether it be a single or an album,” said Nyirenda.

She spends her time effectively by reaching out to people who can help take her music to the top. She highlights her lack of resources means a lack of being able to do as much as you need to as an artist.

Her reason for making music

“I make music to escape. I love that there is a message I can share with people through my music. The thrill of making a song is an amazing experience, as a song will always mean something to someone,” said Nyirenda.

Her songs carry messages of love, healing, awareness, heartbreak, hope, a regular day and societal issues. She says anyone who is human and has feelings can resonate with her music.

Where to listen to her music

Nyirendas’ music is digitally distributed by Content Connect Africa.

Her music is distributed digitally to international and local territories such as Zambia, China, America, South Africa and Europe. In South Africa, her music is available on Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, YouTube and Sound Cloud.

Future

She is set to release an album in July and is excited about her trip to South America to perform alongside many other international artists.