Singer songwriter NOSIHE is releasing her latest and highly anticipated recording titled “Emotions Live EP” this coming Friday 28 May 2021, exactly a year after its recording which took place at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Jazz & Popular Music.  The former SA Idols contestant who reached the top 8 on season 12 in 2016 is accompanied by bassist Freeman Gumede, drummer Lesedi Tlholoe, pianist Sanele Phakathi and trumpeter Thabo Sikhakhane in this live recording.

“Emotions” is the follow up to her experimental unplugged “Motions Mixtape” she released in 2020.  This is a culmination of what began many years ago when she would take the lead when singing at family functions and always had that radiancy because of her passion for song as a young woman.  She was at primary school when she joined Pietermaritzburg Children’s choir and never looked back.

This five-track EP is accompanied by a concert film.  In this project, she explores experiences of life, love and relationships in a very artistic way with an equally strong lyrical content.  She approaches issues of what women usually go through in romantic relationships and manages to leave her own footprints through the compositions.  Her songs will resonate with many women who have had such experiences in their lives. 

Singer songwriter NOSIHE. Picture by Thobani K

“Ngiyakuthanda” is the opening tune, a lovely ballad about a woman who declares her love and affection to a man who has stolen her heart. The way NOSIHE and trumpeter Thabo Sikhakhane complement each other in this tune is remarkable.  “Motions” is about emotions a certain couple goes through in its relationship which are always mixed (good and bad) but remain loyal, committed and are not even contemplating of going separate ways.  Towards the end of the song, this couple looks back on how they have made it this far.

“Uthando Olunjani” will remind the listener about the legendary Busi Mhlongo.  In this song which is Afro Pop fused with traditional Zulu music, NOSIHE features bassist Freeman Gumede and trumpeter Thabo Sikhakhane, the vocalist wants to find out why some people remain in abusive relationships when they have a choice of leaving them.  But she leaves it to those who are in such relationships to make their own decisions.  The warning is too loud and clear to ignore though.

For many people, a visit to the beach is seen as a way of unwinding and relieving stress. The tune “Olwandle” is precisely about that. in this song with a fast tempo, she gets the audience to sing along which they seem to enjoy judging from their voices. Her closing tune “Please Tell Me” is a ballad with a brilliant opening by pianist Sanele Phakathi and features Thabo Sikhakhane on trumpet. The song is about a woman who is madly in love, asking a question she can’t give her own response to.

Making a fashion statement. Picture by Thobani K

Listening to this live EP clearly demonstrates how creative the former Idols SA contestant has grown as an artist. Musically, she draws inspiration from classical, jazz and gospel tapestry of rhythms.  She clearly does not want to be associated with only one genre.  NOSIHE is coming into her own as emerging African musician with global ambitions.  Her album cover art was inspired by traditional Ndebele visual artist Dr Esther Mahlangu.  She is always looking for collaborations with other platforms such as fashion, photography and design.

The full “Emotions Live EP” can be purchased in iTunes, and the concert film is available for purchase and streaming on Apple Music.  Over the years, the vocalist has built up a great and very active social media following that also allows her to have live performances all over South Africa.  Like her Facebook Page, follow her on Instagram @nosihe_ , @NOSIHE_ on Twitter and subscribe to her YouTube channel.