International Musician to hit the NAMAs 2015

The formidable Nianell and her sister Riana Nel, who is also an international singer, will be performing at this year’s Namibia Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) which is scheduled for May. namib times has asked her when and why she started playing, via email.

Nianell says at the age of six she already sounded like an adult when she sang.  “Music chose me and it’s like breathing for me.” She plays guitar and piano, but her  voice is her real instrument.

Born as Sonia Aletta Nel in Omaruru, she is best known as Nianell. She grew up in Windhoek and moved to South Africa where she graduated with a three year  diploma in light music from Pretoria Technikon. She also studied Classical music at Trinity College in London, United Kingdom and at the University of South Africa.

According to her, her entire family is very musical. Nianell admires Beth Nielson Chapman.

“I love amazing songwriters” she says. Singing with Andrea Bocelli and also performing at the FIFA World cup finals in 2010 are of her fondest musical memories. According to her; Nianell handles mistakes during a performance with confidence. “ When I remember who I am, which is unconditional love, I don’t get nervous, but sometimes we all forget who we are and define ourselves by what others think of us. It’s when I forget who I am that I might get nervous,” is the response from Nianell on a question if she gets nervous during performances or competitions. As part of her practice, Nianell tries to sing every day. About the relationship she has with Riana, Nianell says she feels more like her mother than her sister. “She is ten years younger than me and I remember changing her nappies. I feel very protective over her and extremely proud”. She focuses on doing things that she loves, things that give her energy to do more. She also loves being in the moment and that’s how she balances her music with other obligations. When asked what her expectations are about the NAMAs, she says she has none – she is only planning on having fun and to enjoy herself at the NAMAs. “Ialways look forward to visiting Namibia and share my passion and music with the warm, loving people of Namibia.

Nianell has performed many times in Namibia, mainly Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Windhoek, Tsumeb, Mariental and Otjiwarongo. Her advice to beginners in the music industry is to remember who they are, unconditional love. “Focus on the love inside you and on sharing that love. When you are whole and complete within yourself, you won’t need anything from the outside to make you feel worthy and then you won’t feel nervous” she adds.

Tickets for NAMAs 2015 are available at Computicket at all Shoprite and Checkers outlets countrywide.

Early bird VIP tickets will be N$450 while the early bird normal tickets will cost you N$150.
As from April, tickets will sell at N$500 for VIP and N$200 for normal tickets.