Fresh talent Jade Nova sets out to make a name in Afrikaans music

Hoërskool Centurion is buzzing with anticipation as rising star, Jade Nova, is gearing up for her much-anticipated debut show.

This 16-year-old is all set to share her musical journey with the world, and couldn’t be more thrilled.

“I have wanted to become a singer ever since I was very small. There wasn’t a moment that it just popped up one day; it has always been there,” Jade Nova told Rekord.

For her, music has been a lifelong companion, with her family’s living room often a dance floor and the radio a constant source of inspiration.

At the age of 11, an opportunity emerged when her school held a competition.

Jade caught the attention of a friend’s vocal coach, and that led to her journey with singing under the guidance of Angie Bouwer.

“I was so excited; this was something that could help me build my dream of becoming a singer,” Jade said.

Jade said she will forever honour the crucial role her vocal coach plays in her life, as she honed her vocal skills under Bouwer’s mentorship.

The concert, and the upcoming release of “Roses”, are the result of a promise she made to herself at the beginning of the year.

“I have always written some of my music, but I never thought I was that good at it.

“But this year I set a goal for myself, I wanted to focus on my music. I said that I would at least write one song this year, and that led me to this.”

She set her sights on her school’s annual supper theatre evening, and that night became a defining moment in her musical career as she got to perform her original song.

She has kept her momentum going, having recently signed with I Management’s Ian Bossert.

“Roses” which will be performed at the upcoming show Roses Raise on Wednesday, October 25, is one that anyone who has been a teenager can relate to.

“This year was a roller-coaster of crushes and love for me,” she said.

“The song is about teenage heartbreak, it’s about not knowing what to do about that thing you had, not knowing if it’s over, if there is something still there. That feeling you have when you know something should be over, but you don’t know how to let it go. You’re on the edge of moving on, but not quite there.”

The show will even be supported by two Afrikaans singers who will share the stage ahead of Jade’s headlining performance.

Jacquiline Richter and Johann du Toit heard about the fundraiser and immediately offered their singing talents to join the evening.

Jade’s songwriting is an emotional outlet for her, allowing her to cope with the whirlwind of emotions that come with being a modern teenager.

“I wrote it when I was in class, it was a tough time for me to deal with these emotions, and it’s my way of working through that. I think writing based on these feelings helps me write more relatable songs.”

Jade worked with fellow learner Erhardt Lombard

“Roses” was composed by fellow Grade 12 learner, Erhardt Lombard.

Erhardt’s ability to play by ear allowed them to work seamlessly together.

“I sang, and he worked off that, playing along with me. From that, we ended up with ‘Roses’,” Jade said.

Wednesday’s performance is set to take the audience through her journey in music, culminating in the grand moment when she finally shares “Roses” with a larger audience.

As of now, only a select few, including some school friends and her family, have had the privilege of hearing this new creation.

“My family has always been so supportive of me. I can tell my moms anything, and they always have my back,” Jade said.

Jade’s musical inspirations are diverse, ranging from Afrikaans talents like Droomsindroom to international artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Lana Del Rey.

She is also inspired by local artists from different genres, such as Just Ginger.

She aspires to create music that connects with her audience, saying, “When people listen to my music, I want them to think, ‘Oh, I’m not alone’. I want it to be relatable.

“I love writing pop ballads, but I also want to make some upbeat music. I am a very happy person, so I also want to show that side of me.”

Looking ahead, Jade dreams of collaborating with local talents like Droomsindroom, whom she admires for its fresh take on Afrikaans music.

Jade is excited for the journey ahead of her, and this first fundraiser is one that she hopes will set the tone for the rest of her career.

“The fundraiser means a lot to me. I am a very ambitious person. I will do anything and everything I can to the best of my ability to make my dreams come true. The fact that this is coming together shows me that I have it in me to work hard for what I want.”

Jade Nova is out to make her name, and her performance promises to be a memorable one.

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