NALEDI brings BATHO home

This December, South African artist and singer-songwriter Naledi has brought her debut EP, BATHO, home for a series of intimate performances. This project, rich with personal and cultural significance, marks a pivotal chapter in her journey as an artist. We caught up with Naledi as she shared insights into her creative process, her experiences abroad, and what it means to return home with her music.

Read below…

From South Africa to the U.S. – A Journey Through Music

Naledi’s journey began six years ago when she moved to the U.S. to study jazz performance. Leaving South Africa came with a mix of excitement and apprehension. “I was really nervous about moving,” she recalls. “I was concerned I wouldn’t sound like home anymore. And I love what my home sounds like.” Over time, Naledi discovered that her voice carried not only her identity but also the voices of her ancestors. “Voice is the only instrument that is DNA. It’s your grandmother’s voice, your great-grandmother’s voice. Everywhere you go, you carry their voices with you.”

Why an EP?

When deciding to release BATHO as an EP instead of a full album, Naledi considered both creative and strategic factors. “The number of songs I wanted to release fit the size of an EP,” she explains. “As my first project, I wanted to test what it feels like and what it takes to put a project together.” She also viewed the EP as an opportunity to explore her artistry without the pressure of creating a full album. “It gave me space to dive fully into something while still learning what resonates with my audience.”

A Tapestry of Stories and Sounds

The reception to BATHO has been beyond Naledi’s expectations. “When you create something so personal, you don’t know how it will be received,” she says. Her first single garnered surprising attention in countries like Japan, Indonesia, and various parts of Europe. “The first thought that comes to mind is how did you even find me? I am overwhelmed with gratitude to see how people connect with my music even when they don’t understand the lyrics.”

Naledi’s storytelling is deeply influenced by her diverse experiences. Singing in six languages and drawing from multiple cultural influences, she describes the EP as “an authentic representation of who I am.” The first song, “Sisindise,” written two months after her move to the U.S., captures her feelings of isolation and homesickness. “This EP is a snapshot of my journey. Writing helped me process the move while helping me stay connected to the things that felt familiar.”

Visual Storytelling: The EP Cover

Designed by Modise Black Dice, the EP’s cover is a reflection of Naledi’s heritage. As a Sotho girl with a Xhosa mother, she wanted the design to embody South Africa’s rich cultural tapestry. “It’s an image of what my people are: a blend of different colors and patterns,” she says. “I wanted it to represent our nation without singling out a specific tribe. Looking at the cover now, it still says South Africa – it resembles my people.”

A Space for Active Listening

Naledi’s approach to music is intentional. The opening track of BATHO, “Sisindise,” begins with a prayer and invites listeners into a meditative space. “I know people struggle to listen to slow music, but I wanted to create a space that encourages active listening,” she explains. Collaborating with bassist Eliah Heath, who also produced two tracks on the EP, Naledi crafted a soundscape that gives each story room to breathe.

Returning Home

Bringing BATHO back to South Africa is a significant milestone for Naledi. “I had to bring it home within the first year of release,” she says. “It’s my way of saying thank you to the people and spaces that gave me this music.” While she’s performed some of the songs in South Africa before, she notes how much they’ve grown. “Performing at The Athletic Club and Social in Cape Town two years ago reminded me of what home feels like. Now, I get to share how the music has evolved with the very people who have gifted it to me.”

For Naledi, performing at home is an unparalleled experience. “When I’m home, I don’t have to work hard to explain the message of the song or give cues to the audience. There’s a natural response to the music, people clap and sing along because they understand the music. It’s an experience like no other.”

What’s to come?

As Naledi reflects on BATHO and its journey, she’s excited about the possibilities ahead. “This project honors my voice and my identity. Going forward, I can take it anywhere.” With performances scheduled across Cape Town and Johannesburg, fans will get to experience the magic of BATHO live, a true celebration of music, culture, and community.