Breaking Barriers: Innocence's musical journey from Valhalla Park to Spain

In the heart of Valhalla Park, where sounds of gunshots often echo in the street, a group of extraordinary voices is breaking barriers and shattering the stigmas that have long been attached to their community.

Innocence, a singing trio born from the poverty-stricken community in Cape Town, are rising above the challenges,.

The group’s story began as an unlikely dream, when the vision for a local klopse troupe did not materialise, leaving the ladies with nothing left but their passion for singing.

The trio, Anieka Blackiey (42), Nuraan Abrahams (36), and Andrea Steenberg (17) then decided they would not waste their talent and many days of practising together, and came together to perform at a local event in December 2023.

With no name, no manager, and no expectations, they simply wanted to share their passion for music.

But fate had a different plan. After their first few shows, they caught the eye of legendary musician Zain Adam’s, son, who gave them the name Innocence—a name that would soon become synonymous with pure, powerful, and unforgettable music.

The road was not an easy one, Blackiey admits.

“Because of gang violence in our area we were forced to cancel many shows, luckily in the beginning days during one of our performances - at a political rally, we were introduced to Ashley Smith, an agent from Spain.

“He offered us the opportunity to perform across Spain for six months.

“It seemed like a dream at first, but as soon as we signed the contract and started communicating and setting dates for performances reality set in,” Blackiey said.

For Blackiey and Abrahams, who are both single mothers, this opportunity represents more than just a chance to perform —it’s a chance to prove that where you come from doesn’t define where you can go.

As Abrahams puts it, “It’s hard being a single parent, but I know I have to lead by example to show my children that things don’t have to be the way the world sees our community.”

Steenberg explained how the group keeps their audiences mesmerised: “We blend Motown ballads, soul classics, and Cape Town’s favourites into a sound that is uniquely our own.

“We love doing renditions of the legendary Whitney Houston, Shirley Bassey, Etta James and Diana Ross to loved hits like Valerie and Paradise Road.”

The group also boasts a few original songs registered with SAMRO shared on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook.

The ladies' mothers who have been their sources of support and inspiration shared how proud they are of their daughters.

Asa Abrahams, mother to Nuraan and Anieka, expressed how important it is to set goals and work toward them, no matter where you come from.

“That’s exactly what Innocence did and are doing, I am so proud of them.”

Ronelle Steenberg, Andrea’s mother, knew from a young age that her daughter’s voice was destined for greatness. “The first time I heard her sing, I knew immediately she would make it far, now she is doing just that, my heart is bursting with happiness.”

As the group prepares to take their talents to Spain in April 2025, they face the practical realities of international travel and the financial strain of the journey.

Despite these challenges, they’ve organized a Valentine’s Day fundraiser to help cover their expenses, but while their sponsor will provide the basics — flights, accommodation, and food—they still need extra funds for spending money.

But one thing is for certain, and in the words of the group, “Wherever we go, the people know us.”

To help the ladies with their spending costs, readers can contact Blackiey on: +27684090573