Nakhane’s mix of hedonistic beats and operatic vocals have made them one of South Africa’s biggest artists. They talk about their fractured childhood, conversion therapy, death threats – and making their queerest album yet
As a child, South African artist Nakhane (they/them) was always cast as the lead in their school choir. But one year, the teacher decided to give the position to someone else. “I was really upset. I went home and I was like, ‘I didn’t get the solo.’ My mom looked at me and said, ‘Are you the best?’ I said, ‘Yes, I am.’ Then she said, ‘Give me a pen and paper.’” Nakhane’s mother wrote to the school and demanded that her child be cast in the lead or else they quit. “Long story short – I got the solo.” Recounting the memory, two things are apparent to Nakhane. While it was great for them to have that much self-belief, they realise it should have been an opportunity for them to “learn how to take a fucking loss”.
Now, aged 35 and living in south London, the singer, songwriter, novelist and actor is working to temper their inner competitiveness. “I can get ugly,” they say, showing me the wrist fracture they got from playing rugby with some jocks during the second lockdown. “It doesn’t matter what it is – it’s life or death. I have to win,” they say with a laugh. “Everyone’s going to forget about it in 20 minutes, but I’m not. The next time I see you, I’m going to remember that you beat me.” These kinds of anecdotes embody Nakhane’s tenacity. Over the last 10 years and after overcoming obstacles such as conversion therapy and death threats, they have become one of South Africa’s biggest music artists, whose fans include Madonna, Elton John and former collaborator Anohni.
