Zhane Venter, known as NAE (SA), is making waves with her unique sound. Picture: Supplied
In the vibrant tapestry of the South African music scene, Zhane Venter, known professionally as NAE (SA), is making waves with her unique sound that seamlessly blends soulful house, RnB, Afro beats, and pop.
Set to release her latest single, “Cadged Bird” on October 11, NAE (SA) promises to share a heartfelt narrative drawn from her own journey through grief and healing.
From a tender age, she said music has been an escape in her life. She recalls her early performances at school concerts and in church at just 10 years old, ultimately joining her school choir at 12.
“Looking back on my childhood, music was my escape. Little did I know that my early experiences would lead to a career that saw me working with global music legends,” she said.
The release of her debut EP, “Don’t Tell”, marked a crucial turning point in her career, but it was her infectious single “Vibe” that truly propelled her onto the broader stage of the music industry.
This track caught the attention of influential house music producer Kerri Chandler.
“He told me he had heard my music and wanted to collaborate,” she shared, leading to a
transformative partnership that culminated in the emotionally charged “Cadged Bird”.
Written during the most challenging period of her life, following the loss of her mother, “Cadged Bird” serves as a powerful outlet for her pain and healing journey in the studio.
“Recording ‘Cadged Bird’ was emotional; I had been crying in the studio. But getting those feelings out was a relief,” she said.
The song encapsulates the struggles faced by many grief, anxiety, and the yearning for liberation—much like a bird confined in a cage.
The momentum of her career has accelerated beyond her collaboration with Chandler.
With tracks like “The Savior” and “Vibe” receiving significant airplay across major South African radio stations such as Metro FM and 5FM. Venter has established a reputation as a versatile and talented artist.
Collaborations with acclaimed producers like Lulo Café, Badbox, and Giorgio Bassett have further cemented her standing in the South African music landscape.
Venter’s influence has transcended local borders, her music has been embraced internationally, with tracks featured by labels like Mahaba Music, Open Bar Music, and Arawakan Records.
Notably, her songs “Normalize” and “Sunset Beach” were included in Black Coffee’s renowned Track IDs Spotify Playlist, significantly boosting her credibility and outreach.
Her debut music video, “More Of You”, also gained traction on platforms like Channel O and MTV, further widening her audience.
As she gears up for the release of “Cadged Bird”, Venter has expressed her readiness to showcase a more vulnerable side to her growing fanbase.
“This song represents so much more than just music for me. It’s about healing, hope, and the strength to keep going, no matter how hard life gets,” she added.
With performances at sought-after venues such as Jack Fridays, Blueroom, and Mokopane already under her belt, NAE (SA) continues to soar in the music industry.
Her ability to intertwine raw emotion with an eclectic musical repertoire marks her as one of the most exciting talents to watch in South Africa.
Fans can look forward to the release of “Cadged Bird” soon, with high hopes that this track will further showcase her evolving artistry and profound emotional depth.
Pretoria News
lesego.montso@inl.co.za