Nothende Interview

Mafikeng has done it again by introducing us to the beautiful and sensational Nothende. Music is something that comes naturally to her and her vocals leave us begging for more, one can never get tired from hearing her voice. She believes that when a person have a self love, hope and faith for the future anything is possible. Check out this interview with Nothende and be inspired

Describe Nothende in 3 words?

Adventurous, Loving and Sensitive.

At what age did you know you can sing?

It took a bit of convincing from my music teachers, but at around 11, I started believing I can sing.

You were a backing vocalist for other musicians for years, who did you enjoy working with? And why?

I was only a BV for Lira and RJ Benjamin. I enjoyed working with both as I learned a great deal from both artists. I also got to write songs with RJ, which is always a plus.

Please tell us about your album “REBIRTH”? And what is it about?

Rebirth is actually a re-release of my first album LoveLight. We took songs from the first allbum and gave them new life, added some new material, including hits that the fans wanted. The title Rebirth is reflective of this process, as well as my state of being at the time of recording/release. There were a lot of things I was relearning about myself and I felt like my spirit/creative energy was reborn.

Who did you work with on this album?

I worked with a variety of artists and producers, including GB COLLECTIVE, 37MPH, INSTRO, KABOMO, LULO CAFE and TSHEPO SEKELE

When you are writing songs what inspires you?

I am greatly inspired by any kind of positive energy. From sounds of laughter, to  the night sky, to beautiful relationships, to open and positive minds. Anything in life that reminds me of love, truly inspires me. I am, however, also influenced by life’s daily movements, the ups and downs. All of this has the ability to move me to write and create new songs.

Why did you take so long to release your album?

I took long to release my first album, LOVELIGHT, purely because I wanted to work with the right team for what I had envisioned. It takes times to find and build solid relationships in this industry. There are many politics and egos to get through and one has to take their time because there is a lot of trust that goes into putting an album together with someone.

Who is the best producer you have worked with and why

I can’t say I have one favourite, but I am currently working with Frank McComb from the US, and I have been a staunch fan of his music for years. He is super incredible and I am greatly honoured to be creating with him. I have a great deal of fun making music with Metro FM Awards nominee, GB COLLECTIVE. There are no boundaries or rules when we get in that studio, and what usually comes out is something we are both proud of and excited about.

You did the song “I WANT TO LOVE YOU” with Lulo Café, how did that song come about?

Lulo Café approached me in 2009 to do a feature on his album. I agreed, not really knowing much about him. Early 2010, we met and got in studio with Psyfo who produced the song. It was like hanging with my brothers at home. The recording happened very organically and the atmosphere was comfortable. The boys allowed me to be in my full creative space (which doesn’t always happen in studio). I wrote the song while they watched the soccer game. It didn’t feel like ‘work’ at all. We had no idea the song would be what it is today.  Definitely a great memory created.

How did you feel when you were nominated for SAMA and Metro FM Awards?

There is always a sense of excitement when I hear of a nomination. It is comforting to know that your colleagues and industry peers support and believe in what you do enough to select you for a nomination. It’s like a little pat on the back. Very encouraging. Overall, I was excited and naturally nervous at the prospect of scooping an award.

What have you learned from performing abroad?

Huma nature and culture interest me the most whenever I travel outside of SA. I have learned that there are as many ways to live and think as there are people living and thinking. There is no end to the newness.

Is your family supportive of your career?

My family have grown very supportive over the years. It wasn’t easy at first but everything gets better with time.

Which one do you prefer performing live or being in a studio?

I love both equally. Essentially, I make music to perform, and I thrive from live performances. But the energy that exists in studio, where feelings are turned into songs, that’s priceless.

If you had an opportunity to sing for anyone in the world who would it be? and which song would you sing?

I would love to sing for Stevie Wonder. I would probably ask him to pick a song for me to sing.

How do you deal with criticism?

I take it in, and let it go. I don’t focus on it. There is no avoiding it but I know better than to let it be my driving force. I just let it be.

Name two things people don’t know about you?

I make all-natural body butters and scrubs, which I have started selling to a few friends, colleagues and family members.

I love taking walks. I walk almost everyday. It’s therapeutic and good exercise.

What are the biggest challenges you feel the youth is facing today? What can be done to tackle these challenges?

Knowledge of self, lack of hope and self-love. Those are the challenges the youth is facing. They don’t seem to be aware of what they are capable of. They are not taught how to think, and self-love seems to be disappearing more often. Life has evolved in so many ways. There is an openness that allows for all minds to thrive and prosper. The evolution of technology is still a new concept in SA. Young kids use tech media for social purposes more than anything, not being aware of the vast amount of information and opportunities available to them. How do we tackle these challenges? It starts with the parents, home environment, and the older generation to teach the youth about the power they possess. Media should also play a better role in providing real knowledge and truth on how to navigate this life. The youth have a distorted image on things like success, freedom etc., and media has the power to change this image by giving more truth than make-believe.  Overall, the youth need more sacred nuruting, support and love so that they can live their lives with absolute conviction and grow to build a stronger mind for the nation.

What does it mean to be a woman in the 21 century?

Freedom of expression. Freedom of being.

We will be voting soon, so what does voting mean to you?

Voting season signifies a great deal of change. Change of minds, change of power, change of vision.

What is your advice to young people who have lost hope in pursuing their dreams?

Don’t let fear and the ways of the world trick you into believing that you are not enough. You have your mind, and that’s the most important tool. Use it, explore it, share it, expand on it, keep it open, inject knowledge into it, go out and teach yourself, ask questions. As long as you are beathing, you should not only have hope, but faith in your golden vision.