Multi-talented Anella ready to take on the world

NGWELEZANA musician and actress Anella Nandi Ngwenya (24) has a busy year ahead, which, apart from her community projects, will include
a new album and her involvement in theatre.

Twenty-four-year-old Anella’s journey in music started back in the late 90s when she was in primary school.

With a mother a known model and performer, it was evident the apple would not fall far from the tree.

She started singing in the church choir before joining her school’s choral choir at Phesheya Primary.

It was there where she learned the technicalities of music and later gained more experience when she joined the youth choir at Khombindlela High School.

‘I always knew I wanted to sing, there was no question about it. Music is a calling and if you don’t respond and try to shut it down, it becomes louder and louder,’ she said.

Even though her dream was to be a solo artist, Anella had to persevere and became part of several groups, including Sanctfied and Healing Sounds.

‘I had to get more experience and discover myself.’

After gaining much needed experience and confidence, she started showcasing her talents as an individual artist on different stages.

Influenced by the sound of Simphiwe Dana, Busi Mhlongo and Mariam Makeba, she started writing her own music, which included jazz, gospel, Afro-pop and everything in-between.

Since then she has performed at big concerts such as the uMhlathuze Beach Festival, State of the Economy Address, City address as well as taking part in the Miss Zululand pageant as a finalist.

Last year this rising star wrote two songs for the Zululand theatre production, Death of the Emperor Shaka.

Future plans

Next month this down-to-earth musician will begin working on her album, in which she aims to feature various artists and work with her band, HoSound.

‘Big things are coming, a CD, a recording label and I will take on more acting roles,’

Anella is currently doing rehearsals for a theatre production which will tour the province in March.

‘I am also reading a beautiful script titled Slave, which I will perform in May this year together with my friends Zime Mpanza and Nothando Mabaso, as well as working on a project with Gift Marovatsang of the University of Zululand,’

‘I hope this year I will fulfill the dream of taking part in the ARTS festival in America.’

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