Born into a legacy of musical royalty, Ma Nala inherited her rhythmic soul from her iconic DJ father. From commanding stages graced by icons like Winnie Mandela to global events, her music speaks volumes. Her musical pilgrimage to Los Angeles, mentored by musicologist Philip Ingram, crystallized her resolve to echo the complexities of being a young woman in today’s South Africa.
In a musical sphere favouring simplicity, Ma Nala boldly champions music with a message. Her aim? To connect intimately with her audience through unfiltered, personal storytelling. Beyond music, she advocates for women to break barriers. Her melodies aren’t just songs; they’re a blueprint for African women’s empowerment.
We had a chat with Ma Nala to find out more about where her melodies journey began and her latest work:
Can you tell us a bit about your background and upbringing in Bisho, Eastern Cape, and how it influenced your musical journey?
[MA NALA]: I was born eBisho but moved to Gauteng at the tender age of two. We spent most of our holidays and free time at home eMonti nase Peddie, which I believe are places that had a heavy influence in the way in which I mix isiXhosa and English when I write music sometimes.
“Tryna Find Love” was your debut single in 2017. How has your approach to songwriting and music evolved since then?
[MA NALA]: I’ve evolved as an entire being since my first single “Tryna Find Love”. I’ve learned and experienced so much since then, the music is on another level sonically and the songwriting has reached new heights which you will definitely hear in the new music.
You collaborated with Gemini Major on “Forever” in 2018. Can you tell us about that experience and how it impacted your career?
[MA NALA]: Collaborating with Gemini Major on “Forever” was a beautiful experience, He’s like family so everything flowed really smoothly. He loved the song the first time he heard it & recorded on it the very same day I played it for him, the rest is history!
In your music, you often weave rich descriptions and personal stories. How important is storytelling to you and your creative process when in the process of making your music?
[MA NALA]: Story-telling is extremely important to me. It’s a form of sharing parts of yourself with people who may know nothing about you but still resonate with the messages/stories you’re bringing across.
You’ve described your music as a fusion of Jazz, Soul, and Afro-pop. What drew you to these genres, and who influenced you to incorporate these sounds?
[MA NALA]: My influences in music drew from my father, who was the first radio DJ in the Eastern Cape at Radio Ciskei. His taste in music was truly unconventional, He was the man who always put you onto to some great music.
Your upcoming EP “In Her Glory” includes six songs with different themes. Could you share some insights into the messages and stories behind these songs as well as who you worked with on the EP?
[MA NALA]: “In My Glory” is an extension and an expression of what I’ve experienced in this lifetime so far. I’m in a space where I’m currently living in my glory. You can expect to hear some RnB, Afrobeats, Pop and something different- hardcore Xhosa trap. It was all a wonderful experimental where I was sharing different elements of myself.
“We Going In” is your latest single, can you share what inspired this song?
[MA NALA]: “We Going In” is a feel-good dance song about letting go of all your troubles that the world tends to bring, and dancing those same troubles away, enjoying the greatness of the night.
Many young girls or women maybe looking up to you as an artist. What advice would you give to those who aspire to follow a similar path in the music industry?
[MA NALA]: Always stay true to who you are, and never let go of the morals and values you strongly abide by. Live out your purpose, God and your Ancestors will make a way for You.
Could you share something about yourself that your fans might not know but would find interesting or surprising?
[MA NALA]: When I was younger I thought I’d be a dancer before becoming a musician.
Looking ahead, what are your future plans and aspirations for your music career?
[MA NALA]: My future plans are to release an EP and album in the next year (2024). My aspirations are to globally cross-over as a singer, songwriter and performer. And I would love to be in a place where I am able to provide opportunities for women & children to do music at the same capacity at which I’m doing it at or even a bigger scale.
Featured Image Source(s): Supplied
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