This Pretoria-born singer and songwriter is a breath of fresh air in R&B and soul
The talented musician released her debut seven-track EP, Elements, late last year and instantly made waves as the first independent South African female to top the Apple music charts. Topping the R&B charts made everyone take note, wondering who the young woman with the smooth and delicate voice singing over blues and moody strings was. She received love from abroad, with the likes of American rapper, Joe Budden, Beats 1 radio station and New York Music sharing her songs on podcasts and playlists. The Internet creates endless opportunities for creatives like Elaine, who would have remained undiscovered within the traditional music industry space. Her sound is raw and emotive, and she knows a thing or two about love, despite her tender age of 21. Neo-soul and R&B are in capable hands. This law student admits that she’s awkward and deals with social anxiety, but shares that she finds solace in creating music. We get to know the person behind the voice:
Was your EP’s love theme intentional? I try to be as open and honest about everything I create. I am very intentional; that’s why I chose the title, Elements, to highlight the different aspects of love. I wanted people to feel comfortable within whatever space they’re in, and the emotions they experience, whether negative or positive. I want people to know that it’s okay to feel. You can cry, go through it, and most of all, heal.
Did you anticipate your EP getting as much love as it has? I released this project for me and didn’t care whether it reached 10 or 10 000 people. But, to have people around the globe DM, tag and show me love, is mind-blowing. The first CD you ever bought?B’Day by Beyoncé. My motto is…I am capable, worthy and the best.
Three items on your bucket list: To get a Grammy nomination, be a prominent international artist and travel more.
Dream collaboration? Beyoncé, Drake and Lauryn Hill.
Fun random fact: I wrote the EP at 19, which is a bit weird. But, I feel that I have a gift to translate my feelings into songs that people can relate to. A lot of things that I wrote about, I experienced first or second hand.