Early Life and Family Background
Full Name: Nakhane Lubabalo Mavuso
Stage Name: Nakhane Mahlakahlaka (formerly Nakhane Touré)
Date of Birth: February 3, 1988
Place of Birth: Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Nakhane was born in Alice, a small rural town in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. Raised initially by their grandmother until the age of five, they were then adopted by their aunt and her husband in Port Elizabeth. Growing up in a devout Christian environment, Nakhane attended a racially integrated school, where they learned English and developed a passion for music. Their aunt, a classically trained opera singer, played a significant role in nurturing Nakhane’s musical interests. At 15, they moved to Johannesburg, marking the beginning of their journey into the broader South African cultural scene.
Education and Early Influences
Nakhane pursued studies in film music composition and acting, followed by literature, at the university level. However, they left both programs after a year. During their youth, Nakhane was deeply influenced by the works of James Baldwin, identifying with the black queer characters in his writings. This literary exposure, coupled with their personal experiences, significantly shaped their artistic expression.
Music Career and Artistic Evolution
Brave Confusion (2013)
Nakhane’s debut album, Brave Confusion, released on July 29, 2013, was an acoustic-driven project that delved into themes of race, religion, and sexuality. The album garnered critical acclaim and won the Best Alternative Album award at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs) in 2014. The title track, “Brave Confusion,” encapsulated Nakhane’s internal struggles and quest for identity.
You Will Not Die (2018)
In 2018, Nakhane released You Will Not Die, a deeply personal and introspective album. The title, inspired by Proverbs 23:13, reflects themes of discipline and survival. Recorded predominantly in London with producer Ben Christophers, the album marked a departure from their earlier acoustic style, embracing electronic elements and synthesizers. The album received widespread acclaim, with publications like Clash Music and Q Magazine praising its emotional depth and sonic innovation. It won Best Alternative Album at the 2019 SAMAs.
Bastard Jargon (2023)
In 2023, Nakhane released Bastard Jargon, an album that blends funk, disco, and kwaito influences. The project was produced in collaboration with Nile Rodgers and features tracks like “Tell Me Your Politik” and “Do You Well,” the latter featuring Perfume Genius. The album showcases Nakhane’s evolution as an artist, embracing a more sensual and existentialist approach to music.
Acting Career and Notable Roles
Nakhane’s acting debut came with the 2017 film Inxeba (The Wound), where they portrayed Xolani, a factory worker involved in a secretive relationship during a Xhosa initiation ritual. The film, which addresses themes of masculinity and sexuality, faced significant backlash in South Africa, leading to protests and censorship. Despite the controversy, Nakhane’s performance earned critical acclaim, winning Best Actor awards at the Durban International Film Festival, Palm Springs International Film Festival, and the South African Film and Television Awards. They also appeared in John Cameron Mitchell’s 2019 podcast musical Anthem: Homunculus and in the 2021 play Ear for Eye by Debbie Tucker Green.
Literary Contributions
In 2015, Nakhane published their debut novel, Piggy Boy’s Blues, a coming-of-age story set in their hometowns of Alice and Port Elizabeth. The novel, which portrays a Xhosa royal family, was nominated for the Barry Ronge Fiction Prize and the Etisalat Prize for Fiction. The work reflects Nakhane’s literary prowess and their commitment to exploring complex themes through storytelling.
Awards and Recognition
- 2014: Best Alternative Album at the SAMAs for Brave Confusion
- 2019: Best Alternative Album at the SAMAs for You Will Not Die
- 2019: Pride50 recognition by Queerty for contributions to LGBTQ+ rights
- 2019: Best Actor awards at the Durban International Film Festival, Palm Springs International Film Festival, and the South African Film and Television Awards for Inxeba (The Wound)
Personal Life and Advocacy
Nakhane identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. Their journey of self-discovery and coming out as queer was influenced by their experiences in a religious community and subsequent involvement in gay conversion therapy. They have been vocal about their struggles with mental health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, sharing personal essays about battling depression and suicidal thoughts. Nakhane’s openness has fostered conversations about mental health within the LGBTQ+ community.
Discography
- Brave Confusion (2013)
- You Will Not Die (2018)
- Bastard Jargon (2023)
