NATE’s star continues to rise with latest single Singashona: Interview

Impulse Africa Team recently caught up with self-proclaimed King of the Coast, Unathi Mtolo popularly know as Nate following the release of his single titled Singashona.

Nate has diffused himself all across the urban afro soul scene over the past year, maintaining ubiquity with innumerable appearances on other people’s songs with the notable one being his latest feature on Jamville hit single Ingoma which debuted at number 7 on the radio monitor charts.

2021 will be marked as a notable year for Nate as he gears up to release his long awaited EP. Nate has brought a unique approach to the music scene and his cross over market appeal will ensure South Africans from all walks of life get to enjoy his music for a long time to come.

1.Briefly tell us about your journey as a musician so far?

NATE is a Musician from the South Coast, born in a small town in the Eastern Cape called Bizana. I started making music in 2014 after I graduated from university.

2 .How would you describe your sound?

The sound that I’m currently doing right, I could say is Afro fusion and Afro pop but I do have some hip hop songs here and there which we will be releasing soon.

3.How has the process of establishing your own core sound and style been?

It has been very interesting and exciting to tell you the truth although there has been some obstacles here and there along the way. I am very pleased with the sound that we’re making at this moment it’s a mixer of a lot of elements and sounds from different genres.

4. Where do you draw your inspiration from as a musician?

I draw inspiration from my own personal experiences and from the people around me.

5.Your latest single Singashona, what was the inspiration behind it?

Singashona was inspired by the pandemic and lockdown to be more specific because a lot of people close to me lost their jobs due to companies and businesses closing down. It has been very hard for a lot of South African and I feel like as artists it’s our responsibility to tell everyday stories and share what people go through in life and also emotionally.

6.Have you ever doubted yourself? And how did you take care of yourself that time?

Yes I have, I think everybody grows through that phase. The reassurance comes from my supporters and people who have been following my musical journey.

7.What encouraging words do you have for anyone start out in the music industry

I believe that God can never put you in a position or situation that you personally can’t get out of and if your heart truly desires something you have to go get it by any means necessary.  

8. Three things people do not know about Nate?

–  I used to play Basketball and Rugby in varsity

 – My second name is Abraham.

– The last thing that people don’t know about me is my age lol.

9. What can your fans expect from you for the remainder of 2021?

Yes I’m currently working on an ep which will drop this month, and probably a single too.

10.What are you most grateful for right now?    

The Gift of making music, it brings me inner peace at times where I feel like I’m at my lowest and for that I’ll forever be grateful.