From openly singing about his sexuality and religion, the award-winning Nakhane Touré is dancing to a new tune with his upcoming extended play (EP).
Born Nakhane Mahlakahlaka, the gay 27-year-old singer-songwriter has taken on the “Touré” part of his name in homage to the late Malian musician, Ali Farka Touré.
Touré was born in Alice and grew up in East London, King William’s Town and Mdantsane. At the age of seven he moved to Port Elizabeth.
His passion for music dates back to his childhood when he used to accompany his relatives to choir practice.
At the age of 16, he auditioned for Idols SA but was rejected. He went again at the age of 17 and 19 but never got a chance to share his musical abilities with the nation.
Touré said that in hindsight he was glad he never got into Idols.
“I think I’ve become a full version of who I am. Back then I was just singing and I didn’t know what I was about,” he said.
Touré said he would be releasing his EP titled Violent Measures next month.
The yet-to-be-titled album will be released in July.
“The EP is like a baton that’s being passed over to the actual second album. I didn’t write any of my new songs on an acoustic guitar. I am not the person that I was about a year ago and I believe that even my music has to be different,” he said.
Reflecting on his 2013 debut album, Brave Confusion, Touré said at the time he was caught between embracing his sexuality and religion.
“I was sort-of getting into my identity even though I was fighting certain parts of who I am, like my sexuality,” he said.
Touré said the album reflected the struggle between the two issues.
“I was in a very fundamental and conservative church, and being gay and liberal, it wasn’t going to work. If I was going to embrace my sexuality then I had to let go of the religious side,” he said.
Touré said: “I knew that if I was going to make music I had to be secure in who I am before the people say mean things to me.
“Social media can be cruel and I felt the things I spoke about on my album were relevant.”
Touré said he would be touring after the release of his EP and album. He also added that he would love to perform at the National Arts Festival again this year. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
Soulful singer sends fresh vibes with EP
Born Nakhane Mahlakahlaka, the gay 27-year-old singer-songwriter has taken on the “Touré” part of his name in homage to the late Malian musician, Ali Farka Touré.
Touré was born in Alice and grew up in East London, King William’s Town and Mdantsane. At the age of seven he moved to Port Elizabeth.
His passion for music dates back to his childhood when he used to accompany his relatives to choir practice.
At the age of 16, he auditioned for Idols SA but was rejected. He went again at the age of 17 and 19 but never got a chance to share his musical abilities with the nation.
Touré said that in hindsight he was glad he never got into Idols.
“I think I’ve become a full version of who I am. Back then I was just singing and I didn’t know what I was about,” he said.
Touré said he would be releasing his EP titled Violent Measures next month.
The yet-to-be-titled album will be released in July.
“The EP is like a baton that’s being passed over to the actual second album. I didn’t write any of my new songs on an acoustic guitar. I am not the person that I was about a year ago and I believe that even my music has to be different,” he said.
Reflecting on his 2013 debut album, Brave Confusion, Touré said at the time he was caught between embracing his sexuality and religion.
“I was sort-of getting into my identity even though I was fighting certain parts of who I am, like my sexuality,” he said.
Touré said the album reflected the struggle between the two issues.
“I was in a very fundamental and conservative church, and being gay and liberal, it wasn’t going to work. If I was going to embrace my sexuality then I had to let go of the religious side,” he said.
Touré said: “I knew that if I was going to make music I had to be secure in who I am before the people say mean things to me.
“Social media can be cruel and I felt the things I spoke about on my album were relevant.”
Touré said he would be touring after the release of his EP and album. He also added that he would love to perform at the National Arts Festival again this year. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
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