SA's Noba takes bite out of Big Apple with neo soul debut [watch]

24/11/2022

South African-born musician Noba flies Mzansi flag high in NYCThis New York-based but South African-born singer-songwriter Noba is the new age Jill Scott. Her sound is Jazz, RnB, Neo Soul and Pop.

by Thandeka Mthethwa

24-11-2022 12:39

in Music

Nobantu Msweli is currently in New York trying to break into the music scene. Images via Instagram: @noba_music

South African-born and New York-based singer-songwriter Nobantu Noba Msweli has debuted her single Tell Me and she is beyond excited for it to reach more people.

--

The 24-year-old moved to New York to pursue a degree from the College of Performing Arts at The New School as a vocalist, majoring in Jazz and Contemporary Music. After graduating, she started focusing on her music career as per Bubblegum Club.

Music has always been my greatest passion. I had settled my mind and accepted that I'd study in South

Africa but when I received an acceptance letter to study overseas, it was almost confirmation that I really

should do this. My parents' support boosted me a lot too, Noba said.

ALSO READ: Kelly Khumalo has found her Robbie Malinga in Mondli Ngcobo

INSPIRATION FOR NOBA'S SINGLE TELL ME' According to released statement, Tell Me is a jazz-infused sensual love song that evokes iconic black female predecessors such as Jill Scott, Sade, India Arie and many others.

--

In the summer of 2019 I was going through a breakup and the song was born from that. I was frustrated

at the time because I didn't understand where the relationship was going and the lack of effort to make it

work' was enough for me to make a decision to let go. I honestly didn't expect it to hurt as much though, Noba explained.

Noba says her music and sound is inspired by artists such as Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Sarah Vaughan, Lalah Hathaway and Gregory Porter to name a few.

ALSO READ: Do you have your tickets for Calum Scott's South African tour?

--

Her sound is a fusion of Jazz, RnB, Neo Soul and Pop, her voice gives off a clear, smooth and yet warm feel.

She also says she has aspirations to create music that is rich and uplifting whilst bringing her passion for love, life and social justice to the forefront.

Tell Me is available across all digital music streaming platforms. Watch the video below:

ALSO READ: Cape Town singer-songwriter dies week after horrific accident [Video]

WIN R6 000 for Christmas - take The South African Reader Survey!

LINK:	https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/music/nobantu-noba-msweli-musi...
	See more stories from thesouthafrican

Most recent headlines

05/01/2027

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be demoed at CES 2026

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...

01/06/2026

Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026

January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026 Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...

02/05/2026

Dalet Flex LTS Delivers Smarter Search, Faster Editing, and an AI-Ready Foundation for Modern Media

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...

01/05/2026

NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to Integrate Dolby's Full Suite of Premium Picture and Sound Innovations

January 5 2026, 18:30 (PST) NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to ...

01/04/2026

DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION

January 4 2026, 18:00 (PST) DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION Douyin Users Can Now Create And Share Videos With Stun...

18/03/2026

SMPTE Unveils 2026 NAB Show Educational Presentations

SMPTE Unveils 2026 NAB Show Educational Presentations Brie Clayton March 18, 2026 0 Comments SMPTE , the home of media professionals, technologists, a...

18/03/2026

Auditel Ad Campaign Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 12K

Auditel Ad Campaign Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 12K Brie Clayton March 18, 2026 0 Comments LED wall virtual production blends 12K open gate acquisition w...

18/03/2026