#MusicExchange: Niyaaz Arendse

23 Apr 2020

Capetonian Niyaaz Arendse is 24 years old and making waves fast. His debut single "Don't Need It" was released three weeks ago and is already charting on the KFM top 40.

Prior to this, Arendse was an Idols 2018 contestant but is now shaping his own destiny with an infectious first single that is gaining traction day by day.
I hung out with him last week, via Skype, to find out more.

Fame is about:

There are ‘levels’ I believe. It's really about what you’re content with, whether it's singing in a bar for 100 people or in an arena for 100,000 people. It’s really about what makes you happy.

Retirement will happen when:

Really can’t say. I don’t think an ambitious person ever really retires. We’re always on to the next. Maybe when I’m really old and I can no longer sing and dance.

I don't do:

Negative people. I can’t stand to be around them. I love it when positivity just bounces back. It makes everything so much easier.

What does music mean to you?

It gets me through anything and, honestly, I don’t know what I would do without it.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

Singing.

Any funny moments on stage?

I ripped my jeans once in the crotch area as I climbed on stage. I guess it's safe to say they were not focused on my voice.

Which living person do you admire most and why?

My mother. She gave up everything, including her dreams of being a singer, to take care of my siblings and I. She is the embodiment of strength and resilience. There is and never will be anyone I adore and love more.

What is your most treasured possession?

I would say my voice. I try my best to look after it.

It’s your round, what are you drinking?

Honey and ginger tea.

What makes you stand out?

The person I am, I guess. People fall in love with whomever they want to. It’s about being you at all times. Staying true to whom you are and never bending to be accepted.

Nicknames?

Yazzy, yaaz. Mom calls me yaazi boy.

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

Own a clothing line

Pick five words to describe yourself?

Passionate, kind, emotional, real, clumsy.

Five favourite SA albums of all time?

3T - Youngsta CPT
Su Casa - Mi Casa
Rose Gold - Shekinah
Naninina - Vusi Nova
Just Gonna Be Me - Jody Williams

What song changed your life?

“If I Ain't Got You” by Alicia Keys. This is the song I auditioned for at my first SA’s Got Talent.

What is your favourite word?

Hectic.

Favourite fashion garment:

Ripped skinny jeans.

Give us some real proper slang and what it means:

Dwankie – someone or something that is lame, stupid or uncool.

Top of your bucket list:

Build a snowman. It doesn’t snow in Cape Town so it’s always been something I’ve wanted to do.

Your greatest achievement:

Releasing my first single, “Don’t Need It”.

What do you complain about most often?

Cleaning.

What is your fear?

Losing my parents, getting kidnapped or drowning. I have a few but those are the top ones.

On stage, I tend to:

Talk a lot to set up my songs and show.

The best life lesson you have been taught:

Haters gon’ hate. Don’t sweat the small stuff!

Do you do charity work and, if you do, what do you do?

Yes. I have performed at various fundraisers connected to the following organizations: The Sunflower Fund, Nazareth House, Christine Revell Children's Home and also the Ihata Shelter for Abused Women and Children. Once SA recovers from the unforeseen impact of the coronavirus pandemic, I intend to do more charity work. I believe that every bit makes a difference.