
South African actor and neo-soul singer Nakhane is one inspiring artist and activist!
After facing death threats and physical violence in his native country due to his queer identity and colour, Nakhane fled to London to further pursue his musical career and LGBTQI advocacy.
His recent second album, “You Will Not Die,” is a sultry synth pop exploration of his identity, queerness and religion that is both deeply moving and inspiring.
His live performance at the Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent was equal parts powerful, moving and seductive.
Dressed in a slinky red satin suit, Nakhane opened his set with ‘Violent Measures’, before delving into a startling collection of songs that drew in the categories of R’n’B, gospel, electronica, pop and house, including ‘Interloper’, ‘Fog’, and ‘You Will Not Die’.

In between songs, we are entertained by

All in all, the intimacy of the Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent provided the perfect backdrop to
I didn’t know much about Nakhane before I went to see him perform, but I have to admit that I too, was spellbound by his performance and was left a little disappointed that he did not come back out for an encore.
Nakhane
18 January 2019
Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent
All photos by Prudence Upton for Sydney Festival.