Nianell

Sonia Aletta Nel (born September 25, 1971, in Omaruru, Namibia), better known as Nianell, is a singer, songwriter, pianist, and guitarist.

Biography After growing up in Windhoek, Namibia, Nianell graduated with a three-year diploma in light music from Pretoria Technikon in South Africa. She studied classical music at Trinity College in London and at the University of South Africa.

She has a four-octave vocal range and her songs have been described as including "elements of folk, pop, R&B, country, classic and even Celtic music." Four of her albums (Who Painted The Moon?, Angel Tongue, Life's Gift, and I Know I'm Lucky) reached platinum status in South Africa. Nianell gained her first international platinum hit with the song "Who Painted the Moon?" The song was covered by another international singer, Hayley Westernra on the album Pure. The album sold more than 2 million copies and Nianell's composition was featured as a single on this album. In April 2011, she released her first album in the United States. She has won two SAMA Awards: Angel Tongue won Best English Contemporary Album, and "We'll Find a Way" won her Best Female Songwriter.

She released a duet album with Dozi and another duet album with afropop group Romanz in May 2011. Andrew Thompson, have triplets, all girls. In 1998, she played netball in the Namibian national team. Nianell's younger sister, Riana Nel, is also an acclaimed singer and songwriter. Both sisters have performed together on several occasions.

Discography Albums 2002 – Who Painted the Moon 2006 – Life's Gift 2004 – Angel Tongue 2005 – As One (Live DVD, concert at Emperor's Palace) 2007 – I Know I'm Lucky 2009 – It Takes Two, with Dozi (DVD) 2010 – Sand & Water 2011 – Who Painted the Moon (U.S. compilation album) 2011 – 'N Duisend Drome 2012 – You're the One That I Want – Take 2 2012 – My Heart 2014 – Just Be 2017 – My Beautiful Escape