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Ternielle Nelson - Unearthed

Here it is delivered with an enthralling twist that touches on the jazz and neo-Soul ingredients that are so current at the moment but also includes pop and Afro-soul and folk in the mix. And the result is an album that cements Nelson’s standing as one of 2010’s most exciting prospects.

The Durban-raised, Joburg-living singer and songwriter’s talents were first spotted by SA music scene veteran, Selaelo Selota, who noticed her during a year-end concert at the Central Johannesburg College where Nelson was studying.

The multiple-award winning artist and producer later urged Nelson to enter the studio to record her debut – now released through a joint venture deal between Selota’s Live At The Shack and Sony Music.

“I think that the fact that I play guitar and write my own songs impressed Selaelo,” Nelson explains. “But I like the fact that he waited a bit for me to develop my craft after first seeing me in 2004, because it was only towards the end of my studies that he suggested I come into the studio.”

With 'Unearthed' Nelson has crafted a sound that’s uniquely hers, untainted by the need to be like anyone else in the South African or global market. Much of this has to do with Nelson’s determination not to take the route into R&B that many expect of someone with who grew up in Newlands East in Durban and was “fed” an endless diet of the genre. In a set of songs she loosely terms ‘Tribal Folk Pop,’ Nelson shows off the melodic and lyrical strengths that belie her youth.

A fine example of this is “No Condition”, one of 'Unearthed"’S most elegant songs. Beautifully served by Malatji’s sensitive piano-playing and the most restrained of rhythm sections, the song spotlights the simplicity of what love really can be, if allowed.

Just as memorable is “Inspire Me”, which has a terrific hook that could easily land the song on radio, ready to capture the hearts of music fans across the land. It’s the same with “Core To My Soul”, a nakedly truthful song of adoration that’s as catchy as they come.

Given the organic-feel of 'Unearthed" it’s no surprise to find that Nelson co-wrote every song on the album with Selota, except for “Zwi do luga” and “Core To My Soul” which were songs written by a college friend of Nelson’s, Tendani Makhuba. Also contributing was Robin Kohl of Jazzworx who recorded mixed and mastered ‘'Unearthed"’, providing the perfect match for Selota’s production.

Bolstering Nelson on guitar and lead vocals and Selota on guitar are Malatji on piano, Ameishi Ikechi on bass, Samuel Ibeh on drums and Basi Mahlasela on percussion. For Nelson, it’s deeply satisfying to know she now has the chance to earn an audience with her album and upcoming live shows.

'Unearthed" has a very significant meaning for me, in terms of where I am in my life and my career. It’s a sign that I am set free and dug out and not succumbing to the norms in society and also the norms that are expected of me. I define myself not as a coloured woman but, as my song says, as an African Woman who is able to rise above the difficult cycles of my life. 'Unearthed" is the word I choose to use as a sign of new things and possibilities as I journey through this daily”.