Naledi embarked on her musical journey in a non-traditional manner. Initially drawn to music as a child, she veered away from it due to the notion of financial instability in the industry. Instead, she pursued international relations at the University of Cape Town before eventually traveling to the United States to delve into music — a country she had long admired.
Her desire was to immerse herself in the origins of jazz, learning the art form within its cultural roots. After more than five years since relocating to the U.S., she has released an EP, Batho, offering a glimpse into the myriad emotions she has encountered since arriving.
Initially, her early months in America were filled with a sense of yearning. Struggling to pinpoint the feeling, she refrained from labeling it as mere homesickness. Conversations with friends helped her realize that what she missed most were the communal bonds from her homeland. She reflects on the contrast in cultural behaviors, emphasizing the more community-centric approach in her home country compared to the individualistic nature of American society.
The challenges she faced deepened her realization of the value of community, especially heightened during the COVID-19 lockdown. While she still dearly misses her homeland — its people, energy, and sense of belonging — she actively works on fostering a supportive community in her new environment to alleviate that longing. Our dialogue revolves around themes of isolation, identity, migration, and the pursuit of dreams once deemed unattainable.
Reflecting on her time at the New England Conservatory, where she was one of the few Black students, she acknowledges the feeling of disconnection especially as the lone African individual. Despite this, Naledi found solace in the welcoming nature of Black Americans, fostering mutual learning and understanding.
Transitioning from Boston to New York after her studies, Naledi found the New York scene more embracing, particularly due to the presence of a vibrant South African community. To her, America symbolizes a land of endless possibilities, where aspirations seem within reach, contrary to the distant dreams she once held.
Naledi’s upbringing was steeped in the love of jazz, thanks to her father exposing her to revered music venues and festivals. While she did not envision a career in jazz initially, she recognized jazz as the conduit to express her inner musical landscape, grounded in her upbringing.
Describing jazz as a reflection of the soul, intellectually stimulating and emotionally profound, Naledi chose this path as a means to articulate her musical vision. Her EP, Batho, with its six tracks, offers a peek into the vast expanse of her creativity, embodying a profound and immersive musical journey.
In creating the album, Naledi’s songwriting process flows organically, with melodies often arising during everyday moments like a walk. Songs like “Batho Baka” were born from listening to South African jazz, resonating with her sense of home. Each track on the EP encapsulates a unique aspect of her experiences and emotions.
One standout song, “P(x)J,” encapsulates Naledi’s complex relationship with America. The composition weaves together poignant themes, highlighting the juxtaposition of societal issues against lyrical expression. Inspired by real-life events such as protests and social injustices, the song embodies a deep social commentary.
Engaged in the play “Dreaming Zenzile,” centered on the life of Miriam Makeba by acclaimed musician Somi, Naledi drew inspiration from Makeba’s advocacy against injustice. Her creative process was often fueled by personal reflections and societal observations, manifesting heartfelt narratives within her music.
Naledi’s artistic journey sets the stage for a promising career. Her music resonates with haunting beauty, offering a profound and evocative experience. As our conversation concludes, she highlights the significance of dreams through her foundation, dedicated to empowering girls and women through music, fostering critical consciousness and societal engagement.
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