Nakhane will bring a powerful, emotional rawness to the dancefloor when they play Melbourne Recital Centre's Elisabeth Murdoch Hall on March 15.
Hot off the heels of recent hits featuring Perfume Genius and Nile Rodgers, Nakhane is renowned for the emotional intensity and palpable sense of freedom they bring to the stage.
Finding their start in a folk scene that quickly felt unauthentic, South African singer-songwriter Nakhane has delved deeply into electronic music over the last decade, creating music that acknowledges their past and allows space for healing.
2018 release You Will Not Die found them softly and openly exploring the complications of their childhood as they laid everything bare, before allowing themselves to embrace the freedom they’ve found since. Acclaimed by Elton John and Madonna, no less, the album ripples poignancy from every pore, and Nakhane has a unique ability to match harmony and honesty in a way that is crushingly potent.
Nakhane at Melbourne Recital Centre
- Nakhane is playing Melbourne Recital Centre’s Elisabeth Murdoch Hall on March 15
- Supported by Pillow Pro, with Zjoso also playing in the Outdoor Forecourt
- Tickets on sale now, available here
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In addition to his celebrated music career, Nakhane starred in Oscar-nominated South African film The Wound and released his debut novel, Piggy Boy’s Blues. Yet after spending a couple of years out of the spotlight, Nakhane returned last year with a determined eye on the dancefloor.
Pulling inspiration from classic disco and modern production alike, their newest work breathes a carnal intensity. Tell Me Your Politik sees them demand that their partner reveals their ideology before they go any further; a demand that only grows stronger throughout thanks to a satisfyingly tense verse from fellow South African artist Moonchild Sanelly.
The aforementioned Rodgers helps on this one, too – soothing the track’s glorious intensity with dulcet tones. Recent release Do You Well strips the avant-garde for the straightforward as they brazenly wish to see their lover in the light. Joined by fellow queer art-pop outfit Perfume Genius, the track transcends through its hypnotic groove.
Supporting Nakhane will be Melbourne alternative pop duo Pillow Pro. Christobel and Sophie give synthpop an ethereal sheen, colliding pristinely precise production with feather-soft harmonies.
Nakhane manages to be deeply emotionally resonant, yet still hold a commanding grip on the dancefloor. Eloquently effective, their performance is not to be missed. Catch them while tickets remain at Elisabeth Murdoch Hall on March 15.
Pick up tickets to Nakhane’s Melbourne show here.
This article was made in partnership with Melbourne Recital Centre.
