THE BACK STORY: To say that Nakhane Toure has taken a long time to find his voice would be a huge understatement. Born in a small town in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, he grew up in a community of strict fundamentalist Christians. As such, when Nakhane came out as gay in his late-teens, he was sent to conversion therapy in order to ‘heal’ his sexuality – an experience that made him question his faith altogether and seek answers elsewhere.
Those answers, of course, are proudly on display in Nakhane’s music – an eclectic, beguiling mixture of styles spanning everything from African indigenous music to classic soul to Antony and the Johnsons-esque baroque pop. The most defining aspect of his music, however, is surely its emotional candour – trying to make sense of his turbulent upbringing, his lyrics are raw, poetic and unflinching.
These days, thankfully, Nakhane has more reason to be looking forwards rather than dwelling on the past. His current album, the stunning You Will Not Die, has been receiving rave reviews, and his celebrity fans include a certain Madonna (the pair were spotted having dinner together in London last year). Alongside his music career, Nakhane has also branched out into the acting world, earning a stack of plaudits for his appearance in the controversial film Inxeba (The Wound).
With such a bulging CV, it’s only a matter of time before Nakhane replicates his South African success on a global stage – and, make no mistake, he’ll be doing it with characteristic heart-on-sleeve candour.
KEY TRACK: ‘You Will Not Die’ – a slow-burning piano anthem in which Nakhane boldly examines his relationship with religion and sexuality.
FOR FANS OF: Jeff Buckley, Antony and the Johnsons, Radiohead, Wild Beasts.
