Based: Johannesburg
Naima is a talented writer, poet, vocalist, and actress born in New York City and raised in numerous cities across Africa.
Naima has earned a degree in theatre and performing arts from the University of Cape Town, performed, acted, and sang in South Africa and Europe. She has acted in productions by internationally renowned South African Directors.
As a vocalist and poet Naima infuses soul, spoken word, hip hop and pop among other genres to create a distinct style she calls “Urban Soul”. She recorded her debut album – Things I Wish – musically directed by RJ Benjamin and debuted at the Cape Town Jazz Festival 2011. As she continued to perform and grow her musical career, her highlight was being asked to open for International renowned RnB singer Joe Thomas on his tour to South Africa in December 2011.
Naima’s performances as poet include a tour facilitated by the British Council – Verbalized 2010 and various corporate events. She’s also performed at Urban Voices International 2009 and the African Leadership conference 2010 in Ethiopia with the collective Rite 2 Speak.
Naima’s star power saw her being selected by Levi’s Strauss SA in 2010 to represent one of the 4 faces of their Believe – Curve ID campaign Aligned to Levi’s brand values of courage, integrity, authenticity & empathy, and a representative of 1 of the 4 distinct body shapes that characterize the new fits. The Bold Curve. As part of 4 dynamic Divas that not only feature in the local advertising campaign, Naima also worked closely with the Levi’s team on the brand’s longstanding HIV/AIDS initiative, Levi’s Red for Life. In a series of events that were held around the country, the 4 Diva’s hosted live gigs followed by interactive discussion groups focusing on the topic of life & love in the time of HIV and AIDS.
Naima’s TV roles have included cameo features on one of South Africa’s most watched TV dramas “Generations”, presenting for South African Coca Cola game shows. She’s a feature character in the internationally renowned UK series Wild At Heart and has just completed shooting a feature film as leading female in Vehicle 19 starring Hollywood celebrity Paul Walker scheduled for release in 2013.
In 2012 Naima signed to Universal SA and in 2013 Naima will be releasing her first major label album. The album features the likes of SA’s new Hip Hop phenomenon Reason, Ameen Harron (best known for international hit Peter Parker Swag) and Nigeria’s Ice Prince (recently nominated for a BET Award). It is a collection of urban anthemic tracks with a pan-african flavour and appeal. What this space.
