Meet Yovani Naidoo: the South African sensation fusing South Indian heritage with modern melodies

At 25, Yovani Naidoo has emerged as a vibrant and dynamic voice in the South African music scene, blending rich South Indian traditions with contemporary influences. 

Born and raised in the coastal city of Durban, she has always been more than just a scientist; her heart beats to the rhythm of music, a passion that was nurtured during her formative years. 

Naidoo’s early life was a canvas painted with creativity.

Although she admits to not being "academically driven," she was a fountain of artistic expression, crafting birthday cards and jewellery for her family and transforming her parents’ old furniture into makeshift art stations.

"Creativity was my first language, and it shaped the dreamer and artist I am today," she reflects, a sentiment that speaks to her deep-seated love for art in all its forms. 

Upon completing high school, Naidoo pursued a Bachelor of Science degree and currently works as an environmental report scientist.

Yet, beneath the surface of her scientific career lies a profound connection to music, which has roots tracing back to her childhood.

Watching her grandfather and father lead weekly home services sparked her interest in singing, leading her to mimic the religious bhajans sung at home, despite not having been taught the vernacular languages. 

Although her parents had envisioned her as a Bharatanatyam dancer, Naidoo’s true calling was revealed when she discovered a singing class adjacent to her dance lessons.

Skipping her dance class, she entered the world of vocal training, which captivated her.

"That moment was a turning point," she recalls as she speaks of the transformative power of music in her life.

Her influences are deeply rooted in family, especially her grandfather, who inspired her through moments of shared devotion. Early on, her parents recognised her talent, gifting her a toy keyboard that became a source of joy and a tool for showcasing her burgeoning skills during family gatherings. 

Naidoo’s formal training began as her parents connected her with Beama Naidoo for harmonium and vocal lessons - experiences she cherishes to this day.

Later, she deepened her connection with Carnatic music under the guidance of Pragalathan Vadivel, which enriched her understanding and appreciation for the genre.  

Throughout her development as a musician, Naidoo has embarked on several projects that showcase her versatility and passion. In 2016, she released her debut CD titled “Dheiveega Dharisanam (Divine Blessings)”, marking a significant milestone in her career.

She has contributed to numerous musical ensembles, including serving as the first violinist with the KZN Youth Orchestra and as the music director for the youth band Anbu Isai, fostering connections with fellow passionate musicians. 

While Naidoo also plays instruments such as the sitar, her experiences have taught her that voice and instrument are inseparable.

"The voice and instrument are extensions of the same expression, just in different forms," she explains. 

Grounded in her South Indian and Tamil traditions, Naidoo draws inspiration from her upbringing, where music was woven into the fabric of daily life, enriching every prayer, festival, and family gathering.

She takes pride in maintaining these traditions, ensuring that they continue to echo through her artistry.

However, the journey has not been without its challenges. In a digital landscape saturated with content, Naidoo finds it vital to create work that reflects her authentic self while striving for international recognition.

"Finding and defining my voice in that environment has been difficult," she admits. 

As she reflects on her career highlights, Naidoo beams with pride over receiving the 2023 Visishta Seva Puraskaralu award from the ShruthiLaya Music Academy and the Singidi Young 2023 award.

"You truly feel like a winner when your community recognises your contributions," she shares.

The future looks promising for Naidoo, as she recently enjoyed a momentous trip to India to represent the Durban Indian Consulate in a programme for social media influencers and content creators.

From May 20 to May 30, she toured Delhi, Agra, and Hyderabad, eager to connect South African-Indian voices on an international stage. 

In five years, Naidoo envisions herself as a role model for young South Indians, representing her culture while inspiring others.

The dream of becoming a playback singer remains, but her aspirations now reach far beyond personal achievements: "It's about impact and legacy."