Nana Atta

Image Courtesy of Nana Atta

WHERE ARE YOU RIGHT NOW AND HAVE YOU ALWAYS LIVED THERE?

I'm currently at home in Verulam.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND BROUGHT UP?

I was born in Stanger/KwaDukuza, but my family moved that same year I was born and settled in Verulam. That's where I grew up.

WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR PRESENT CITY OR HOMETOWN?

The best thing about my city is the weather and the fact that this is where my family is.

WHAT ARE SOME YOUR FONDEST CHILDHOOD MEMORIES?

I remember how we'd get together with my cousins and make up silly songs out of anything and we'd sound so good. We eventually began to sing in front of people in school.

WHY MUSIC?

I can't go a day without humming or writing to some random melody. I love conceptualising and I do it best through writing song lyrics and singing. So really to your question I say, why not music?

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SOUND?

Soulful and timeless.

IS THERE A MUSICAL PASSAGE OR MELODY THAT NEVER FAILS TO MOVE YOU?

There are many, but it all depends on where I'm in life really. One I can think of right now is Peter Tosh's, "Ketchy Shuby".

WHAT'S YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?

My creative process varies depending on the project I'm working on. Sometimes I'm inspired by the instrumental and sometimes it's an incident that I witness.

WHO OR WHAT HAS HAD THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON YOU?

 A lot of old and new people and things. To name a few, I'm influenced by reggae music (artists such as Peter Tosh, Lucky Dube and Bob Marley).

I'm also a Leta Mbulu girl since way back, Miriam Makeba, Lebo Mathosa, Brenda Fassie. All these artists share some of the qualities I bring into my art. They told stories that mattered, still do. They gave us timeless music.

WHAT MOMENT ARE YOU HAVING?

I'm witnessing a lot of females in spaces that have always been male dominated. Female record producers, directors, DJ’s I'm loving it!

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE YOUR PERSONAL AESTHETIC AND HOW HAS IT EVOLVED OVER TIME?

I'd say sexy and elegant with an Afrofuturistic touch. I'm into everything futuristic and sci-fi. I like telling African stories in a way that brings light to how awesome we are and our super spirit of triumph.

WHAT BEAUTY ROUTINE DO YOU SWEAR BY?

Honestly, I believe with food, but also taking care of the spiritual self by fasting and meditating.

WHAT DO YOU GET UP TO WHEN YOU'RE NOT WORKING?

I'm at home with my family. Love being indoors.

HOW DO YOU UNWIND?

Movies/series...lots of them.