My Adelaide: Kenya-Born Singer-Songwriter Elsy Wameyo on Where She Goes for Butter Chicken and Garlic Naan

Elsy Wameyo
Elsy Wameyo

Elsy Wameyo ·Photo: Courtesy Leon Tran

The hip-hop and soul artist has performed alongside Lady Leshurr, Sampa the Great and Hilltop Hoods. She’s currently touring her debut EP Nilotic. We take five with the singer to find out what she loves most about living in SA and where she goes for a bite to eat.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a singer-songwriter, visionary, artist, producer, mentor … the list never ends. I live in Adelaide, but I was born in Nairobi, Kenya. I moved to Australia with my parents and brothers after my dad was offered a job here and we’ve lived here ever since.

What do you love about Adelaide?
I love that it’s a small community. I feel like I know everyone, and there’s something really special about that. There’s real love, great minds and a lot of talent. There are so many hidden gems here, [the rest of] Australia just doesn’t want to admit it.

Do you have a favourite restaurant here?
Beyond India. It makes the most authentic Indian food in SA. I like to order rice, butter chicken and a garlic naan. The set-up is really cosy; it has smaller tables for two to four people and bigger ones for eight or more, which is usually where I sit with my family.

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Where do you go for brunch?
I usually head to Cafe Sia. It’s quite close to my house but on the side of the city where I feel I can go and “not be seen”. I always order pasta or pizza with a bowl of sweet potato fries on the side. Always sit inside – outside is always so cold. Also, book in advance. It can get busy sometimes – then you’ll have to sit outside, and you don’t want that.

Who or what makes Adelaide a better place?
Every small business, organisation and person in Adelaide. We are all pieces of the puzzle that help make this a great city.

Is there an essential Adelaide song?
There are so many tracks that are “essential”, it’d be hard to pick just one. But, since we’re here, Google “Nilotic – Elsy Wameyo lyrics”. You don’t even have to listen, just read the lyrics.

Elsy Wameyo’s next show is at Phoenix Central Park in Sydney on September 15. Tickets are available via a ballot.

“My Adelaide” is a regular column on the places that captivate and entice the city’s well-known residents.

elsywameyo.com

@elsywameyo

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