×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Nubia Soul is a child of the world

HUMBLE: Elnathan Sidu PHOTO: SUPPLIED
HUMBLE: Elnathan Sidu PHOTO: SUPPLIED

A fresh face and a natural look - that's what strikes one immediately when one meets Nubia Soul, real name Elnathan Sidu.

The singer and poet is so humble that she shyly introduces herself by her birth name. "Hi, I am Elnathan," she says with a knowing smile.

Of course, this is an unusual name: Hebrew for "God has given". Like Mpho, she says.

"I have four names, all Hebrew, including Shekinah (place where God dwells). I was given all by my father, who had unusual characteristics but fun to have."

As Nubia Soul she is riding the crest of the wave, albeit on the international scene, with her latest single Back To Love. The deep house song with an attractive laid-back beat by producers Ocean Deep is not about romance.

"It's about the love we as humans used to have for each other, like love for your neighbour. We are losing so much that used to identify us as people, so in this song, even though it may be a dance tune, I am merely saying let's love one another like we used to."

Her debut album, Love Chronicles, released independently in May 2013, is doing well on digital forums and Nubia Soul receives regular messages from fans from unlikely places such as Russia and Japan.

She calls herself Nubia Soul in order to tap into her descendants' background on her mother's side.

"My mother is a Xhosa woman from Eastern Cape, but her family folklore is certain about their Egyptian origins. My father traces his Khoisan roots to Botswana.

"This combination excites me because I see myself as a child of the whole world. My father actively instilled this attitude in me because of all the travelling he took me with when I was a child.

"I was born in Ceres (Western Cape) but also travelled between Kimberley and Montshioa in Mahikeng, until I settled in Molapo, Soweto, to begin formal schooling when I was seven."

She says to be considered a new voice in house music is an honour, even though she considers herself more of a poet and general singer.

"House comes from other influences, and from the fact it is so loved in South Africa. But my album essentially has three real house songs, the rest of the songs are laid-back tunes and poetry." She is also a champion rapper and MC from school days.

Her affinity with technology - she recorded a 12-track compilation called Rising on an iPad, using Garage Band application, in 2012 - earned her an interview with CNN Marketplace Africa.

"It was a total surprise, but really encouraging because it helped promote my brand and music, especially in Africa, something that is important to me."

Apart from blogging about African pride, wealth, moral values and culture, Elnathan writes children stories. Her first book, Nomlambo And The Head Beads, is complete and waiting for publishing.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.