Elaine (singer)

Ndivhuwo Elaine Mukheli (born 2 April 1999), known mononymously as Elaine, is a South African R&B singer and songwriter from Pretoria. While studying law at the University of the Witwatersrand, she self-released her debut EP Elements in September 2019.[5] The EP reached No. 1 on both the national iTunes and Apple Music album charts, making her the first independent female artist to do so.[6][7] Elements was certified Platinum by RISA a year after its initial release and was nominated for Best R&B/Soul Album at the 26th South African Music Awards. Elaine was subsequently signed to Columbia Records.

Elaine
Birth nameNdivhuwo Elaine Mukheli[1][2]
Born (1999-04-02) April 2, 1999[3][4]
Pretoria, South Africa[4]
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
InstrumentsVocals
Years active2019–present
LabelsColumbia
Websiteelainemusic.co.za

Early life

1999–2018: early years
I remember the owner of the pre-school came to me and gave me a solo – this solo was ‘Silent Night’ and girl, that’s when my career took off. This was my time to shine, and I think from the moment I sang that solo, I knew that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

—Elaine on her childhood introduction to singing[8]

Ndivhuwo Elaine Mukheli was born in Pretoria on 2 April 1999. She started singing at age six and participated in the school choir and various talent competitions while growing up.[8] In 2014 she received a gold medal at the 8th World Choir Games in Riga, Latvia.[9][10] While attending high school, Mukheli began writing her own music.[11] She began studying law at University of the Witwatersrand in approximately 2018,[5] and stated in November 2019 that she was part of the university's Golden Key Honour Society.[11]

Career

2019–present: Elements

Elaine uploaded her debut single, "Slip Away" onto SoundCloud in February 2019, before officially self-releasing it in April 2019. Her follow-up single, "I Just Wanna Know" was released in August 2019. Elaine was the first South African artist to be part of Spotify's Radar artist program.[12][13] She released her debut EP, Elements, on 29 September 2019.[14] The 7-track EP was produced by Clxrity alongside Elizee from South African hip-hop duo Elizee and Malachi and was described by OkayAfrica as "a mellow blend of trap-soul and R&B with incisive explorations of adolescent love."[15] The EP was successful on streaming charts, helping Elaine clock one million accumulative streams within two weeks of its initial release.[16] She was deemed as Apple Music's New Artist Spotlight after Elements reached No. 1 on the album chart in South Africa.[17] At one point in February 2020, all seven songs from Elements simultaneously placed in the top 10 of the national Apple Music R&B/Soul songs chart.[18] The EP, spawned the single "You're The One", which also topped both iTunes and Apple Music single charts.[19] The single earned Elaine both her radio debut and first number one on the Metro FM Top 40,[20] as well as several weeks atop both the 947 Top 40,[7] and KFM Top 40.[21] Her debut music video for "You're The One" was released in early April 2020 and gained approximately 100 thousand views within 24 hours of its initial release.[22][23] As of late April 2020, Elaine continues to "dominate" South African music charts.[24] Elements was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa in August 2020.[25][26][27] The EP was also nominated for Best R&B/Soul Album at the 26th South African Music Awards.[28] Elaine was signed to Columbia Records in August 2020.[29][30][31]

Artistry

Elaine's musical style regarding genre has been described as trap-soul (a blend of trap and soul music),[5][8][15] alternative R&B,[32][24] contemporary R&B,[32][5] and neo-soul.[24] She has cited R&B singers such as Lauryn Hill and Beyoncé as her biggest inspirations.[33] Elaine's musical style has been compared to that of Tsakani Mhinga and H.E.R.,[34] as well as Jhené Aiko and Summer Walker.[35]

Discography

Extended plays
Title Details Certifications
Elements

Singles
Title Year Album
"Slip Away" 2019 Non-album single
"I Just Wanna Know" Elements
"Risky" 2020

Awards and nominations
Award Year Recipient(s) and nominee(s) Category Result Ref.
South African Music Awards 2020 Elements R&B/Soul Album of the Year Nominated [28]

References
  1. "Membership List - Capasso" (Type "Ndivhuwo Elaine Mukheli" into Composers search tab.). Composers, Authors and Publishers Association. Retrieved 23 June 2020.
  2. "Elements / Elaine - Credits on Tidal". Tidal. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  3. Elaine [@elaineofficial_] (2 April 2020). "Thank you for all the birthday wishes. You're all loved and appreciated" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  4. Labase, Sisonke (13 March 2020). "5 facts about R&B sensation Elaine". W24. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  5. Hlalethwa, Zaza (22 November 2019). "Elaine is in her element". Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  6. Nxumalo, Lee (8 April 2020). "Elaine is South Africa's new R&B It Girl". Red Bull. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  7. Mbhele, Zweli (8 May 2020). ""Every moment we have is a big moment. I'm grateful for their support." - Elaine". 947. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  8. Kabwe, Suwi (7 January 2020). "Exclusive: R&B Sensation Elaine Delves Deep Into Her Musical Journey". Between 10and5. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  9. Ntsinde, Mandisa (15 January 2020). "5 Things You May Not Know About Soulstress, Elaine". Zkhiphani. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  10. "Apple Music's New Artist Spotlight, Elaine". Le'Afrinique. 4 November 2019. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  11. Mathebula, Kwanele (22 November 2019). "5 minutes with singer Elaine". Bona Magazine. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  12. Eggertsen, Chris (9 March 2020). "Spotify Launches Global Emerging Artist Program RADAR With Alaina Castillo in the U.S". Billboard. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  13. Shumba, Ano (13 March 2020). "Spotify launches programme for emerging artists". Music In Africa. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  14. "Elaine Delievers Pure RnB & Soul On New 'Elements' Project [Listen]". Hype. 30 September 2019. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  15. Kaunda, Mayuyuka (13 December 2019). "South African Women Dropped the Best Debuts of 2019". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  16. Kumona, Molife (11 March 2020). "5 Reasons we are obsessed with Elaine". GQ. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  17. "RnB sensation Elaine takes on charts and Apple Music's New Artist Spotlight". City Buzz. 18 December 2019. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  18. "South Africa Apple Music Top 100 R&B/Soul Songs: Week 8". top-charts.com. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  19. "You're the One by Elaine - Chart Performance". Top-Charts.com. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  20. Manjo, Theo (2 May 2020). "Elaine Goes On Beats Radio 1 With Nadeska". Slikour On Life. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  21. "KFM Top40SA: 23 May 2020". Top40SA.co.za. Archived from the original on 29 May 2020. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  22. Sekhu, Michael (6 April 2020). "Elaine Drops Video for – You're The One". People. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  23. Mhkabela, Sabelo (6 April 2020). "Elaine Finally Releases a Music Video for her Hit 'You're the One'". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  24. Makhubo, Sabelo (28 April 2020). "Elaine's Debut EP, Elements Continues Its Dominance Of The Music Charts". JustNje. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  25. M., Thabo (6 August 2020). "Elaine's debut 'Elements' certified Platinum". Yo Mzansi. Retrieved 6 August 2020.
  26. Jabulani, John (6 August 2020). "Elaine's debut EP "Elements" goes platinum". UbeToo. Retrieved 6 August 2020.
  27. Manjo, Theo (6 August 2020). "The #ShiningStar @elaineofficial_ Goes Platinum With Her Debut EP #Elements". Silk Our on Life. Retrieved 6 August 2020.
  28. Ciolfi, Tecla (16 July 2020). "Here's your first look at The SAMAs full list of nominees for this year's SAMA26 #ForThaKultcha". Texx and the City. Retrieved 6 August 2020.
  29. Kekana, Chrizelda (20 August 2020). "SA singer Elaine joins the same label as Beyoncé and Adele". The Times. Retrieved 25 August 2020.
  30. "South Africans celebrate as singer Elaine goes global with Columbia Records". Eyewitness News. 20 August 2020. Retrieved 25 August 2020.
  31. "Artists - Columbia Records". Columbia Records. Archived from the original on 19 August 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
  32. Donelson, Marcy. "Elaine - Biography by Marcy Donelson". AllMusic. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  33. "HYPE Magazine Interviews Elaine". Hype. 2 October 2019. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  34. Mkhabela, Gugulethu (13 March 2020). "Elaine Mukheli, one SA talent you need to hear right now". Glamour. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  35. Makinde, Tami (10 March 2020). "For the Girls: Elaine is the South African singer you want to get familiar with". The Native. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
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