In a recent interview with Nalu, the South African singer and songwriter reflects on various aspects of her life and career. The conversation delves into her recent experiences, noting the passage of time since our last discussion in October 2023, and explores her transition into the new year. Nalu expresses excitement about what 2024 has to offer, hinting at a significant project that could be released in 2025.

The conversation delves into the challenges of managing expectations in the music industry, touching on situations where anticipated collaborations or deals may not materialise as expected. Nalu shares a valuable perspective, emphasizing the importance of embracing redirection and understanding that things not working out might be in one's favour.

Nalu also discusses her school experiences, highlighting the freedom and enjoyment she found in pursuing her artistic path. She emphasizes the lessons learned about staying present in the moment and not stressing too much about the future.

The interview transitions into a discussion about the RNB music scene in Cape Town and South Africa, acknowledging the growth potential and unique tonality of local RNB artists. Nalu describes the differences in organizing R&B shows, emphasizing the need for a live band to create a more immersive experience for the audience.

The conversation shifts to Nalu's journey as an independent artist, detailing her hands-on approach to creating Electronic Press Kits (EPKs) and handling the marketing aspects of her music. Nalu shares insights into the challenges and rewards of being a self-sufficient artist.

As the interview progresses, Nalu opens up about her support system, emphasizing the importance of having a strong circle of friends and family in the challenging music industry. She touches on her late start in pursuing music professionally and the initial skepticism from her parents, highlighting the eventual support they offered as they witnessed her success.

 Nalu's perspective on happiness and success, revealing her belief in the importance of authenticity and living out one's purpose. Nalu expresses admiration for artists like Ariana Grande and Beyoncé and envisions leaving a legacy centered around freeing individuals to be their authentic selves.

Towards the end of the interview, Nalu briefly discusses her positive experiences in the past year, emphasizing self-realization and personal growth. She shares a powerful lesson learned about the acceptance that not everyone will understand or support one's journey, reinforcing the importance of prioritizing personal well-being over people-pleasing tendencies.

The interview concludes with a discussion about the challenges of transitioning from being a people-pleaser to prioritizing oneself. Nalu reflects on the necessity of this shift for personal growth and thriving as one's best self.

For more on Nalu read our interview below:

The following interview has been lightly edited for context and clarity

Daniel: I was just reflecting on the year and things. How has the year been for you, and what are you most excited about?

Nalu: There has been a lot of transition, and I am excited to see what 2024 holds. I am doing something really big this year, but I won’t talk too much about it just yet.

Daniel: I wouldn’t really call myself superficial, but I don’t like to share things prematurely, just in case they don’t happen. Have you ever been in a situation where collaborations or certain deals you thought would happen didn’t work out?

Nalu: Yes, I think throughout our lives, we put a lot of hope into things, and they maybe don’t play out the way we hoped they would. This happens from when we are kids, all through adolescence, and into adulthood. I think it’s important to remember that nothing happens to you; everything happens for you. Often, when things don’t work out, they are actually working out in your favor. That has been the biggest lesson. If something doesn’t happen, it’s just redirecting you to a new opportunity. That in itself is exciting because your path is divinely guided.

Daniel: How was school and growing up?

Nalu: It was fun. I enjoyed it a lot. I went to two different primary schools and one high school. It was very structured, and there was comfort in the familiarity of the same routine every single day. Obviously, being an artist, you don’t really have that same structure compared to people who have more conventional jobs. It was cool to break away from that familiarity and try to find my own flow. I’m still best friends with my high school friend group. One of my friends just got married recently. I think it’s important to find your feet and figure out what you enjoy—school allowed us to do that well with all the different clubs and after-school activities.

Daniel: Is there anything you learned from primary or high school that you still carry with you today?

Nalu:  Just to have fun. It’s never that serious. As we get older, we become a lot more serious about things. The beauty of life is that we’re alive, and you can just exist in the present moment and enjoy it—there’s no need to panic or stress about the future. I’m a really intense planner, and I like to plan out my life so that I’m not surprised by anything. But I think school taught me to be present in the moment. You could have the best time at break with your friends right after writing the worst exam of your life.

Daniel: How do you feel about RNB in South Africa at the moment? I know that in Cape Town, it’s not really that big...

Nalu: I don’t know if I would say it’s not that big. I think there are so many talented RNB artists in Cape Town and South Africa. There’s room for a lot more growth and expansion, but that has to come from the listenership and the community. RNB that comes out of South Africa has a whole different tonality and cadence in the way it’s executed compared to the global RNB sound, which is really beautiful. I think it’s not a sound that can be mimicked or recreated. There are so many RNB artists I really admire within the space.

Daniel:  In terms of performing, is it easy to put together an RNB show? Normally, there are a lot of hip-hop events.

Nalu:  I think RNB is different because you want to create that all-encompassing instrumental experience. To create that sonically, I think the best way is to have a full live band. You can have backing tracks, and it can be equally beautiful, but I think a live band is a whole different experience. Hip-hop is easier to do in a club because it’s just the mic, the emcee, and the DJ—everyone’s drunk and vibing to the music. With RNB, you have to intentionally listen and give your full attention to the artist performing. What they’re saying is what they’re singing. When putting together an RNB performance, you have to be very intentional. I really love being able to perform with a live band and have that synergy with them.

Daniel: How do rehearsals work when preparing for a show?

Nalu: Honestly, it’s such a vibe. You just get into a space, and everyone brings their instruments, and you start singing. The process continues until you can do it in your sleep. It’s always very special moving from the rehearsal room onto the stage. You get to breathe life into what you’ve been creating and share it with people, which is always very important—to share your art with others instead of keeping it to yourself.

Daniel: What was your first performance like? Were you nervous? Probably excited as well...

Nalu: I was super excited. I actually did my first performance with a very good friend of mine because she featured on my first track. Her name is Hannah, and she’s an incredible artist and rapper. It was amazing—being there and performing a song that I had written and produced. I still have the first videos we recorded before and after the show at the Raptor Room in Cape Town. It was such an intimate and sweet space.

Daniel: I know that you said you’re independent. So, do you handle all your playlisting? How did you start learning that you have to pitch a month in advance?

Nalu: I won’t lie, I learned a lot through that. When I first started, I was putting press release documents together and sending them to every single person I could think of. It was a lot of admin, of course. Being the person who’s creating the music, producing, doing the cover art, and pitching it—it’s a lot for one person to handle. But I’m really glad I did it because when I do work with a team, I know exactly how it should look and be executed. I’ve been hands-on with it, but I know there’s still a lot I need to learn. It’s a lot of work, but if it’s the thing you love and the thing that sets your heart on fire, then it’s totally worth it. When you get that response back from the publication you’ve reached out to, it’s so rewarding.

Daniel: Talk me through your first EPK that you made. I know it can be very confusing when you first start out.

Nalu: Oh my goodness, I think I Googled how to make an EPK—there are so many ways to do it. I just threw something together—it was five or six slides, and it had my discography, articles I’d been featured in, and links to my socials. Honestly, it wasn’t that bad, but I put a lot of work into it. It felt like a project in its own right, you know what I mean? It was cool to dabble in the marketing side of music because I work in marketing, so I was able to bounce those two things off each other.

Daniel: What’s your most memorable moment of  2023?

Nalu: Yorh… I think it has to be the release of my single Sweet Nothing that I did with Chris at Death Row and a performance I did at Gorgeous George, which was one of the best performances of my life. It was so beautiful and intimate—the crowd was amazing, and the energy was amazing. My DJ and I had such beautiful synergy. It was really powerful.

Daniel: Have you ever been in a situation where you had to perform in front of a dead crowd?

Nalu:  I wouldn’t say a dead crowd, but more of a relaxed one. I haven’t actually performed in front of a crowd that wasn’t interacting with me. Thank you, God, for that. It’s always been beautiful—the energy has always been reciprocated.

Daniel: One day, which is probably far from now, what legacy do you want to leave behind?

Nalu: I don’t think I would ever stop making music. I just hope that when people listen to my music, they feel free in every sense of the word.

Daniel: Was that something you struggled with before? Being free?

Nalu: Yes, 100%. There have been many times when society tries to box you into one thing. I’ve definitely experienced that. For me, my music is a portal for liberating myself and my listeners from whatever they’re carrying. I just want to keep doing that.

Daniel: I know a lot of artists want their music to be therapy for their fans, but you also have to put that type of energy into it. For yourself, when things aren’t going well, who do you reach out to for help or just to talk?

Nalu: I have a really beautiful circle of people. I can’t name just one person because it’s not just one—it’s a handful of close people. My family and close friends, who I know would be there if it’s 3 a.m. and I need something. I’m very blessed to have that because I know it’s rare to find.

Daniel: How important is that for an artist to have?

Nalu: So important. This industry and profession are not easy—it’s not a walk in the park at all. It’s beautiful, but definitely something you need support and guidance through—there isn’t a textbook layout on how to go about things. Having that support system where you can ground yourself is almost essential for your success.

Daniel: You mentioned that you started music professionally quite late. Normally, people have the idea that they want to do music at an early age.

Nalu: Music was never an option growing up as a career choice in my life.

Daniel: What was the reaction of your parents and friends when they found out you were doing music?

Nalu: My parents never really wanted me to go into music. They expected me to study and get a job, which I did… and I also did music. I think once they saw that there was a return on investment in what I was putting into my art, they were okay with it. They just let me do my thing. They wanted me to be happy and have a sense of stability, whether that was in art or whatever I chose to do. You have to let go of everyone’s expectations of you. You’re not living for them; you’re living for yourself. It’s your life. Eventually, those people will pass on and go into the next realm, and you’ll still be here.

Daniel: How long did it take you to get to that mindset?

Nalu: I can’t say exactly how long. It was in my early 20s when you’re busy figuring things out. It’s about breaking away from the mold and the expectations placed on you to carve out something for yourself.