#MusicExchange: Nianell

This weekend she will be appearing with a whole host of artists including Leo Sayer at The Christmas Spectacular on 14 December at the GrandWest Grand Arena in Cape Town and on Monday, 16 December at the Sun Arena in Pretoria.

I caught up with Nianell last week.

When are you happiest?

When I’m teaching

What does music mean to you?

Healing.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

Reminding people of their magnificence and them reminding me in return.

What drives you: ego or humility?

I think both are needed for balance, but I’m not driven by either. I’m driven by LOVE.

Any funny moments on stage?

I once fell on stage and was sitting backstage licking my wounds, when my band members came to tell me that a group of fans are looking for me and that they think I’m another artist. I thought it was very funny that they thought it was somebody else who fell that night on stage and not me. Also, I don’t know, how do you watch an entire show of Nianell, thinking it’s Nadine.

What is your most treasured possession?

Free Wi-Fi.

It’s your round what are you drinking?

Water, a double, please!

Dream gig to do?

To sing at one of the world’s biggest meditation events

Nicknames?

“Sonneblom”.

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

I already do it. I’m a teacher, healer and author.

Pick five words to describe yourself?

Amazing, love, magnificent, joyful and peaceful.

Give us some real proper slang and what it means:

I use the word bananas to express how I feel about almost anything. You drive me bananas. This is bananas. What the bananas?!!!

Top of your bucket list:

See Mark Knopfler performing live.

Your greatest achievement:

Loving myself enough to file for a divorce.

What do you complain about most often?

I do my best to never complain, really a very harmful exercise.

What is your fear?

Having no freedom

On stage, I tend to:

Take off my shoes.

The best life lesson you have been taught?

It’s not my job to save the world, but it is my job to save myself. Also, I’m a human being, not a human-doing.

Where would you like to be right now?

I am where I would like to be.

Do you do charity work and, if you do, what do you do?

I have created a course called Connect, which is life-changing and I offer much other life-changing ThetaHealing courses. I often give scholarships to those who can’t afford it. I also give one on one sessions and often accommodate people who can’t afford it.

During my 25-year career as a performer, I have done many charity concerts.

Wishes and dreams:

My wish and dream is to be in complete allowance of the All that is.

Social media

Facebook | @nianellmusic | Twitter | Youtube