Meet Noba

Today we’d like to introduce you to Noba.

Hi Noba, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was captivated by music from an early age, born in Mpumalanga South Africa and raised in Johannesburg, my family was heavy on r&b, soul, country and pop, especially on road trips and family outings. I began my musical journey at six years old when I started taking piano lessons and singing in church alongside my mother who was my biggest inspiration at the time. I was also involved in school choirs and art programs.

Growing up, my best friend in high school loved the idea of New York and moving into the city. Although I never had the dream myself, she sold the dream of pursuing a music career in the United States. I started to research it and after gaining my parent’s approval and seeing that it would be a possibility, I applied to some of the best music schools in the country.

I recently graduated from The College of Performing Arts at The New School as a Vocalist majoring in Jazz & Contemporary Music. I would describe my sound as a fusion of Jazz, RnB, Neosoul and Pop.

In 2016, I earned first place in the “Battle of the High School Bands” for my vocal performance. In New York, I have performed at venues including Madison Square Garden, The Bowery Ballroom, Groove, Bowery Electric, Cafe Wha, Sounds of Brazil, and Gold Sounds Bar.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Yes and no. The safety net of college helped my progress and development and in giving me guidance but the uncertainty of the arts has definitely caused turbulence. College challenged my idea of what an artist is and should be, as well as my own image of myself as an artist. In college, I was able to hone my talent and learn new skills. Unfortunately, there is no strict path or guideline to being an artist which has caused me some distress along the way. I do believe I’ve been successful in mapping out my career so far, creating pieces of work that mean a lot to me however, there is still so much more to create/do/give???.

Something I have grappled with is being confident about what I’m producing. I enjoy the process of creating but in the past, I would constantly look for reassurance and confirmation that I’m good enough. Which is something only I can give myself. And now, I challenge myself to seek my own desires before seeking outside validation.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a singer-songwriter. I am steadily getting into producing music.

I would say I am most proud of my debut EP Love: The Challenge. It was a journey and a challenge to bring to life. You have all these ideas and allowing oneself to be vulnerable enough, to actually share intimate moments- for me at least- was something really special. Something I’d always dreamed of.

I believe my soundscape truly sets me apart. I don’t know that it can be defined at this point. I feel that it’s something new. Really a blending of my influences, upbringing and genres all in one.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love that there is an opportunity to be and become! So many connections to be made and so much talent!

What I dislike would probably be homelessness in the city (if I can say that). I know that there is so much wealth in the city and for such a vast disparity to be prevalent is quite saddening and upsetting.

Pricing:

• Love: The Challenge EP ($4.99)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nobamusic.us/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noba_music/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm_iAC2HP4iiABkvKUb6JLA/videos

Image Credits
Photographer: Dotun Abeshinbioke Editor: Amber Aisha, Kayla Van der Byl {All image credit}