Elaine, a singer and songwriter from Pretoria, South Africa, effortlessly blends trap soul beats with captivating lyrics and mellow tones. While pursuing a law degree at the University of the Witwatersrand, she independently released her debut EP, Elements, in 2019, which became an instant success.

Drawing inspiration from her own experiences, Elaine’s music resonates deeply with fans, making her a stand out voice in contemporary R&B.

If there's one thing that stands out immediately about the songstress, it's her confidence. “I was brought up this way,” she says.” My parents did an incredible job raising me, and now that I'm older, I truly appreciate it. Confidence has always been key for me. Coming from such a loving home, there's nothing outside of that safe space that can shake my confidence. I feel very protected and guarded in that regard.”

Taking a moment to discuss her EP that made her a well-known name, she says that it was definitely unexpected with how quickly it blew up. Asked about the pressure to create something even better now, she says that that is not her mindset at all, instead focusing on making new music that reflects her growth.

“I'm not one to make the same project twice. Many people ask for "Elements 2," but that’s not going to happen. Who I was then and who I am now are worlds apart. The essence of who I am will always remain the same—same voice, same girl, same pure heart—but my story has evolved, and so must my music.”

Originally signed to Columbia Records, she is now an independent artist and released her debut album, Stone Cold Heart, summer of last year. A labour of love, she had been working on the album since 2020, the project reflecting the wild and enchanting experiences of her 20s, weaving together stories from her personal journey. Taking her time to process and grow through various phases of life, she now holds a deeper appreciation for the path she’s travelled.

elaine, music, RnB artist — Elaine. Image: Young Stilo

“I’m excited to share my new experiences through this album. I'm not nervous about it because I am not seeking validation; I'm an artist who needs to release my work to survive. Putting out music is essential for my happiness and contentment. It's how I sustain myself and fulfil my purpose. My journey, my growth, and my evolution are all woven into this new project, and I can’t wait for the world to hear it.”

Asked how she maintains a sense of contentment and confidence in her career without feeling like time is passing, she says that as an artist she does not view time as a limiting factor.

“I create time through music. I'm not chasing trends or aiming for music that fits a particular era. Instead, I speak genuinely about experiences that are true to me. To this day, people recognise my work as a classic piece or project. When it comes to R&B it ages gracefully over time. My contentment lies in knowing that music has no expiration date. Whether I release music now, in ten years, or whenever I choose, I stay content in knowing that I have freedom as a musician,” says Elaine.

“I have an incredibly supportive fan base, and I prioritise consistency in my work regardless of how often I release new content. For me, consistency begins behind the scenes—in the studio, crafting songs, and developing projects. It's about steady growth and evolution.

“My satisfaction comes from knowing I'm continually progressing. When I do release new material, I'm inviting my audience into a new world, sharing my journey and experiences. Interested listeners will tune in, and these stories can resonate across new audiences and years. This is where my fulfilment lies—not in setting an expiration date on my art, but in how it connects with people.”

elaine, music, RnB artist — SA RnB singer Elaine, Image: Zander Opperman

Reflecting on her career trajectory and forging her own path she says that she doesn't want to take all the credit. “This journey is a mix of divine guidance and my determination. I'm a spiritual person, so I feel it's God's work through me. I'm just happy to be chosen. I've put in a lot of work, dedication, and passion. I've fought, cried, manifested, and prayed.

“Even when I felt I had made it, I faced rejection and had to keep going. When I started, there wasn't much R&B activity in our country. I didn't expect much from my project, but when the world resonated with it, I saw there was room for more. It showed me that if I put my heart into it, I could succeed. I'm grateful to have forged my path, not just for myself but for the next artist and the next generation. My goal is to put myself and South African R&B on a global platform.”

On whether ageism is an issue within the music industry, she answers with a firm ‘yes.’

“It's like they use age as a limit. Because I got into this industry so young, at 20 years old, as a number one charting artist, I learned so much about preserving my energy. Age really doesn’t have a factor on anything—it's just what society projects onto us. When I look at people who inspire me, like Beyoncé, who's been doing this for so long, I see that age is actually a superpower. The more I age, the more I get the hang of things. I look at myself now and think, "Wow, I'm really getting the hang of this." Time, age, and maturity bring that understanding and ease.”

In addition to celebrating her age, she says that openly acknowledging her success is something she has started to take very seriously. When I first came onto the scene and dropped my EP, I struggled a lot with impostor syndrome, and was denying a lot of things. I was very shy and low-key, and I think it took a lot of celebrating away from me. Life is so short, and I value every moment. I'm only now understanding that, oh my gosh, I'm actually a young, independent, successful Black woman from South Africa—that’s not a joke. So any chance I get, I'm turning up, appreciating every step, celebrating it and taking it to the top, every single time.”