Meet Yovani Naidoo: the South African sensation fusing South Indian heritage with modern melodies

IOL News

2 days ago

Yovani Naidoo has emerged as a vibrant and dynamic voice in the South African music scene, blending rich South Indian traditions with contemporary influences.
Image: Supplied
At 25, Yovani Naidoo has emerged as a vibrant and dynamic voice in the South African music scene, blending rich South Indian traditions with contemporary influences.
Born and raised in the coastal city of Durban, she has always been more than just a scientist; her heart beats to the rhythm of music, a passion that was nurtured during her formative years.
Naidoo's early life was a canvas painted with creativity.
Although she admits to not being "academically driven," she was a fountain of artistic expression, crafting birthday cards and jewellery for her family and transforming her parents' old furniture into makeshift art stations.
"Creativity was my first language, and it shaped the dreamer and artist I am today," she reflects, a sentiment that speaks to her deep-seated love for art in all its forms.
Upon completing high school, Naidoo pursued a Bachelor of Science degree and currently works as an environmental report scientist.
Yet, beneath the surface of her scientific career lies a profound connection to music, which has roots tracing back to her childhood.
Watching her grandfather and father lead weekly home services sparked her interest in singing, leading her to mimic the religious bhajans sung at home, despite not having been taught the vernacular languages.
Although her parents had envisioned her as a Bharatanatyam dancer, Naidoo's true calling was revealed when she discovered a singing class adjacent to her dance lessons.
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Skipping her dance class, she entered the world of vocal training, which captivated her.
"That moment was a turning point," she recalls as she speaks of the transformative power of music in her life.
Her influences are deeply rooted in family, especially her grandfather, who inspired her through moments of shared devotion. Early on, her parents recognised her talent, gifting her a toy keyboard that became a source of joy and a tool for showcasing her burgeoning skills during family gatherings.
Naidoo's formal training began as her parents connected her with Beama Naidoo for harmonium and vocal lessons - experiences she cherishes to this day.
Later, she deepened her connection with Carnatic music under the guidance of Pragalathan Vadivel, which enriched her understanding and appreciation for the genre.
Throughout her development as a musician, Naidoo has embarked on several projects that showcase her versatility and passion. In 2016, she released her debut CD titled 'Dheiveega Dharisanam (Divine Blessings)', marking a significant milestone in her career.
She has contributed to numerous musical ensembles, including serving as the first violinist with the KZN Youth Orchestra and as the music director for the youth band Anbu Isai, fostering connections with fellow passionate musicians.
While Naidoo also plays instruments such as the sitar, her experiences have taught her that voice and instrument are inseparable.
"The voice and instrument are extensions of the same expression, just in different forms," she explains.
Grounded in her South Indian and Tamil traditions, Naidoo draws inspiration from her upbringing, where music was woven into the fabric of daily life, enriching every prayer, festival, and family gathering.
She takes pride in maintaining these traditions, ensuring that they continue to echo through her artistry.
However, the journey has not been without its challenges. In a digital landscape saturated with content, Naidoo finds it vital to create work that reflects her authentic self while striving for international recognition.