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Born
1974
1974
From
Mozambique
Mozambique
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Isabel Paula Joao Novella is a highly acclaimed Mozambican singer, songwriter, and composer whose artistry masterfully bridges the gap between traditional African heritage and contemporary global sounds. Born in Maputo into a deeply musical household, she was shaped by a father who played guitar and a mother who sang in choirs. This environment fostered a precocious talent; she began performing in children's groups at age five and composed her first original song by the age of ten.
By 14, Novella was already working as a backing vocalist across Southern Africa and the Netherlands. Her professional trajectory shifted significantly in 2005 when she began touring with her family band, Neco Novellas, performing at over 50 international festivals, including the renowned North Sea Jazz Festival. Her solo breakthrough came in 2013 with the release of her debut album, "Isabel Novella." Distributed via Sony Music Entertainment Africa, the project featured the hit "Voices" and a collaboration with American jazz pianist Bob James, earning her a nomination for the RFI Discoveries Award.
Novella is celebrated for her linguistic versatility, effortlessly weaving Portuguese, English, Chopi, and Changana into her lyrics. Her sophomore album, "Metamorfose," released in 2019, further solidified her reputation for "Afropolitan" excellence, garnering a South African Music Award (SAMA) nomination in 2020. Her discography includes soulful hits such as "Moya," which was nominated for R&B Song of the Year at the 2014 AFRIMMA awards.
Beyond her musical achievements, Novella is a prominent cultural advocate. Named Radio Moçambique’s "Cultural Figure of the Year" in 2015, she also serves as an Ambassador for the African Artists Peace Initiative. She utilizes her platform for social activism, specifically working with the Albino Association of Mozambique to promote inclusivity and peace. Isabel Novella remains a vital, soulful voice, representing the sophisticated evolution of Mozambican music on the world stage.