Basedproudly in Eswatini, artist Nelly Noll is rapidly capturing attention across the regional music landscape. Raised between Siteki and Ntamakuphila, her roots run deep through her work.
“This place has played a huge role in shaping me, not only as a person, but also as an artist,” she reflects. “A lot of my music draws inspiration from home, so I carry those places with me wherever I go,” she added.
Her musical path began in Grade 3 when she joined her primary school choir. By Grade 5, her ambition crystallised after watching Disney’s Camp Rock. “Watching that made something click in me. I remember thinking, ‘I want to be an artist-artist.’ That was when the dream really started taking shape,” she recalled.
During her high school years, Nelly began experimenting in studio sessions. Upon completing her studies, she made the decisive choice to transition from a passionate amateur to a professional musician.
Her relentless work ethic serves as both a primary strength and an operational hurdle. Navigating the industry independently means managing her own administration, logistics and social media footprint.
“It can become overwhelming. I’m learning that asking for help and building the right team around you doesn’t take away from your independence. Sometimes it actually allows you to focus more on the things you’re best at,” she notes.
That focused output is already paying dividends. Her single ‘Ngithathekile’, a vibrant, playful release capturing the innocence of early romance has sparked widespread enthusiasm across social media. Notable industry figures have taken notice.
Chronical Deep reposted the track on Facebook, leading to a direct contact exchange, while Brandon Dhludhlu engaged with her content on both Facebook and TikTok. Amapiano titan Kelvin Momo also surfaced in her comments section to offer praise.
“I don’t know if we can call it a race just yet, but I’m definitely enjoying the attention!” Noll admits.
“Seeing him in my comment section was something I genuinely wasn’t expecting. What made it even more special was that he actually engaged with the music and his comment showed that he loved what he was hearing.
“Those moments are a reminder that the music is reaching people and spaces I’ve always wanted to reach. And who knows? Maybe one of those interactions will eventually turn into a studio session,” she said.
For Noll, the-se co-signs represent crucial access points.
“When an artist like Kelvin Momo hears my music, or Chronical Deep reposts it, the music now has an opportunity to reach people within their spaces who may never have discovered me otherwise,” she explains.
“That’s what makes me happy about the movement around ‘Ngithathekile’, it can continue travelling and that’s a beautiful thing.”
Musically fluid, Noll refuses to restrict her output to a single genre, blending elements of Afro-soul, Afro-house, deep house and three-step.
She draws inspiration locally from established acts like Bholoja and Velemseni, alongside international names such as Umzulu Phaqa, Cat Burns and Lloyiso.
“I’d describe my sound as deep, soulful and evolving. I don’t want to put myself in one box too early. I want to give myself room to explore,” she stated.
Despite the artistic momentum, navigating the industry independently presents financial and structural hurdles.
Finding platforms and promoters that value local talent remains an ongoing process.
Yet, Noll remains steadfast in her standard for professionalism. “I don’t want to accept opportunities simply for the sake of being on a stage. I want to work with people who respect the craft and understand the value of what I bring,” added the musician.
Looking ahead over the next 12 months, Noll aims to formalise her management team, secure broader international stage bookings and release a new suite of music while representing Eswatini on global platforms.
“If my journey can make another young Swati artist believe that they can dream beyond our borders, then that means something to me,” she asserts.
“I want to be part of creating a path where the artists coming after us don’t have to convince people that Eswatini has talent. I want the talent to already be recognised,” she added.
When asked to summarises her core purpose, Noll’s answer is clear: “For me, music is the way I show the world that you can come from a small place, dream as big as you want and still make your voice heard.”
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