Nianell

Nianell ( born September 25, 1971 in Omaruru, Namibia ), actually Sonia Nel - Thompson, born Sonia Nel is a Namibian musician, singer and composer who currently lives and works in South Africa. She is married to Andrew Thompson and has with him Drilling daughters.

Education and Career

Nianell was born in Omaruru and grew up there and in Windhoek. After leaving school she went to South Africa and studied at the Pretoria Technikon music. He continued his studies at London 's Trinity College.

Music

She composes her own music, sings in Afrikaans and English and plays the piano and acoustic guitar. Their songs contain elements of folk, pop, R & B, country, classical and Celtic music.

The debut album "Who Painted the Moon? " (2002 ) reached gold status in South Africa. The song "Is not It? " From this album was internationally known and mostly played by radio stations in Canada and the United States. With the album's songs " Have Faith ," "Is not It? ", " As One ", " Just For Tonight" and "Who Painted The Moon? " Nianell produced in South Africa five top -20 radio hits.

Nianell also has an unparalleled reputation as a songwriter. "Who Painted the Moon? " Was covered Pure by Hayley Westenra in her album, and sold 1.2 million units.

Their second album " Angel Tongue " (2004) also reached gold status in their homeland. With this album Nianell two SA Music Awards won in 2005 in the categories Best Adult Contemporary English Album and Best Female Composer.

As a singer with a range of 3 ½ octaves Nianell is also a successful live performer and regularly tours throughout Southern Africa - but also plays abroad, for example in the UK Kasie Festival at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 2004.

Their third album "Life 's Gift " Apparitions 2006. 2007 followed by the DVD " As One " with a concert recording at Emperor 's Palace in Johannesburg. In 2008 the album " I Know I'm Lucky " was released. This was followed by the album " Sand & Water" and 2012 album " My Heart" in 2010.