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Musical artist From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sonia Aletta Nel (born September 25, 1971 in Omaruru, Namibia), better known as Nianell, is a singer, songwriter, pianist, and guitarist.
Nianell | |
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Birth name | Sonia Aletta Nel[1] |
Born | Omaruru, Namibia | September 25, 1971
Genres | Pop, adult contemporary |
Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, motivational speaker, author[2] |
Instrument(s) | Vocals, piano, guitar |
Years active | 1990–present |
Labels | Nianell Enterprises |
Website | Nianell.co.za |
After growing up in Windhoek, Nianell graduated with a three-year diploma in light music from Pretoria Technikon in South Africa. She studied classical music at Trinity College in London and at the University of South Africa.[3]
She has a four-octave vocal range and her songs have been described as including "elements of folk, pop, R&B, country, classic and even Celtic music."[4] Four of her albums (Who Painted The Moon?, Angel Tongue, Life's Gift, and I Know I'm Lucky) reached platinum status in South Africa. Nianell gained her first international platinum hit with the song "Who Painted the Moon?" The composition was covered by another international singer, Hayley Westernra on the album Pure. The album sold more than 2 million copies and Nianell's version was featured as a single on this album.[citation needed] In April 2011, she released her first album in the United States.[5] She has won two SAMA Awards: Angel Tongue won Best English Contemporary Album, and "We'll Find a Way" won her Best Female Songwriter.
She released a duet album with Dozi and another duet album with afropop group Romanz in May 2011.[needs update][5]
She and her ex-husband,[6] Andrew Thompson, have triplets, all girls.[7] In 1998, she played netball in the Namibian national team.[8] Nianell's younger sister, Riana Nel, is also an acclaimed singer and songwriter. Both sisters have performed together on several occasions.
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