Elaine Biography| Full Name, Age, Early Life, Music Career, Awards
Elaine is a prominent award-winning South African R&B singer and accomplished songwriter.
Full Name
Ndivhuwo Elaine Mukheli
Age
Elaine was born on April 2, 1999, in Pretoria, South Africa. As of 2023, she is 24 years old.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Elaine’s passion for music ignited at the tender age of six. Growing up in Pretoria, she actively participated in her school choir and various talent competitions, setting the stage for her future in the industry.
In 2014, she achieved international recognition by winning a gold medal at the 8th World Choir Games in Riga, Latvia, showcasing her exceptional vocal talents.
During her high school years, Mukheli began crafting her own musical compositions, laying the foundation for a career that would soon capture the hearts of many.
Furthermore, her pursuit of higher education led her to the University of the Witwatersrand, where she embarked on a journey to study law, a testament to her dedication to both academics and music.
Notably, in November 2019, she proudly revealed her membership in the university’s Golden Key Honour Society, reflecting her commitment to excellence in her studies.
Elaine Biography (Image Credit: Instagram @elaineofficial_)
Music Career
Elaine’s musical career took off with a splash when she uploaded her debut single, “Slip Away,” on SoundCloud in February 2019, eventually self-releasing it in April of the same year. This was merely the beginning of her rise to stardom. Her follow-up single, “I Just Wanna Know,” graced the music scene in August 2019, solidifying her presence in the industry.
An extraordinary milestone in her career came when Elaine became the first South African artist to join Spotify’s Radar artist program, a testament to her unique talent and potential. All of this, while she diligently pursued her law degree at the University of the Witwatersrand.
In September 2019, Elaine self-released her debut EP, “Elements,” a 7-track masterpiece produced in collaboration with Clxrity, Elizee from South African hip-hop duo Elizee and Malachi. This EP soared to the top, reaching No. 1 on both the national iTunes and Apple Music album charts, a historic achievement for an independent female artist. Within a year of its release, “Elements” earned Platinum certification from RISA and was nominated for the Best R&B/Soul Album at the 26th South African Music Awards.
One standout track from the EP, “You’re The One,” not only conquered the iTunes and Apple Music single charts but also marked Elaine’s radio debut and secured the top spot on various music charts. Her music video for “You’re The One” garnered immense popularity, amassing around 100 thousand views within 24 hours of its release.
Elaine’s domination of the South African music scene continued, with all seven songs from “Elements” simultaneously ranking in the top 10 of the national Apple Music R&B/Soul songs chart in February 2020. The EP continued to thrive, eventually earning Platinum certification from the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA) in July 2020. Her undeniable talent and success led to her signing with Columbia Records in August 2020.
Notable Releases
- On May 12, 2021, she delighted her fans with the release of the single “Right Now.”
- March 24, 2022, marked the release of her highly anticipated single “Shine,” generating excitement after a tantalizing teaser campaign on TikTok and Instagram.
- In September 2022, Elaine unveiled her latest single, “Deja vu,” captivating audiences with her evolving musical prowess.
Nominations & Awards
- In 2020, her album Elements was nominated at the South African Music Awards for R&B/Soul Album of the Year
- Most Streamed Song of the Year at the South African Music Awards in 2020 for her song “You’re the One”
- In November 2020, Elaine was nominated for the Best Female Southern Africa category at the 2020 African Muzik Magazine Awards.
- In 2021, Elaine won the Best Female Southern Africa at the African Muzik Magazine Awards
- Nomination for Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act at the 2021 BET Awards
Artistic Style and Inspirations
Elaine’s musical style is a fusion of genres, including trap-soul, alternative R&B, contemporary R&B, and neo-soul. She draws inspiration from acclaimed R&B singers such as Lauryn Hill and Beyoncé, molding her unique sound and making a distinctive mark in the industry. Her musical artistry has earned comparisons to artists like Tsakani Mhinga, H.E.R., Jhené Aiko, and Summer Walker, showcasing her versatility and range as a talented musician.
