Claire North
Claire North is a soulful singer, guitarist, and songwriter whose heartfelt performances blend emotion, skill, and versatility, captivating audiences with favourites, originals, and a warm stage presence honed over two decades in the live music scene.
Soulful songs, heartfelt moments, music that connects.
A Voice of Soul and Experience
A beloved and respected performer in the Eastern Cape, Claire North is a seasoned South African singer and guitarist whose warm, soulful tone and heartfelt delivery have captivated audiences for over two decades. Renowned for her ability to forge a genuine connection with listeners, she performs with an honesty and emotional depth that transforms every show into a memorable experience. Her repertoire is a masterful blend of timeless favourites and thoughtfully chosen contemporary songs, each rendered in her own distinctive and authentic style.
A Career Forged in Live Performance
Based in Gqeberha, Claire has been a cornerstone of the Eastern Cape music scene for more than 25 years. With a wealth of experience that includes over 600 weddings, countless corporate functions, festival stages, and thousands of live performances, she has cultivated a stellar reputation for her professionalism, reliability, and an innate talent for reading the room.
Formerly part of the duo Belle and The Beard, Claire now performs alongside seasoned drummer, percussionist, and vocalist Russel Sneyd. Their dynamic collaboration merges compelling rhythmic drive with rich vocal harmonies, creating a versatile sound perfect for everything from intimate gatherings to high-energy celebrations. Her status as a trusted and versatile artist is further cemented by multiple guest appearances with the acclaimed Centrestage Entertainment production company.
Songwriting and Original Projects
Beyond her captivating performances, Claire is a gifted songwriter. Her original work earned her the solo title at the Vodacom Live Music Awards in 2008, the same year she premiered her own show, Claire – Here & Now, at the Grahamstown Festival Fringe.
Her creative journey includes the 2010 collaboration album 2Che – Play it Like it Is with Andrew Warneke, which garnered glowing reviews for its raw, innovative bass-and-vocal-driven sound. In 2014, her music video for the song “Hungry” was featured on two local compilation albums. Demonstrating her passion for meaningful causes, she wrote the official theme song for the One Land Love It anti-poaching expedition in 2015, which was later arranged for wind band and performed in schools nationwide as part of a conservation awareness initiative.
Tribute to a Legend: The Tracy Chapman Experience
Among her standout projects is a heartfelt tribute to the iconic Tracy Chapman. This show is a beautifully crafted celebration of Chapman’s legendary songwriting and emotive style, taking audiences on a soulful, nostalgia-filled journey through some of the most powerful and enduring songs in modern folk-pop history.
Championing the Arts Community
A passionate advocate for her community, Claire regularly gets involved in local charity events, lending her talent to support important causes. This spirit of giving back was especially evident when the COVID-19 pandemic brought live music to a standstill. Claire stepped up to support her peers by hosting House Music on MannMade Radio—an online interview series that provided a crucial platform for local musicians to showcase their original music, encouraged community support for live-streamed shows, and offered vital visibility during a profoundly challenging time for the arts.
A Trusted Professional
With a career built on immense passion, skill, and heart, Claire North remains a shining example of music’s power to connect, inspire, and uplift. Her professionalism, warmth, and bubbly personality have made her not just a respected artist, but a truly beloved figure on the South African music scene.
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Claire North Musician Port Elizabeth
11 Reviews on “Claire North”
I have seen Claire for the first time at Ziggy’s years ago and then at Nineteen 33, Music Kitchen… I also had her twice for personal functions and I can tell you now, you will NOT be disappointed! What a talent this girl has!
Out of this world! PE is lucky to have her!
Thanks Claire xx
Such an amazing human with an amazing voice. Claire kept us sane with her live stream performances in lock-down. An asset to any venue as a performer.
Yes! I forgot about those!
The write up nearly brought tears to my eyes because of how spot on it is!!
Very blessed to have followed Claire for many years and watched her perform numerous times, including at my wedding.
Immensely talented artist and all round beautiful human being.
Thank you for sharing your music and soul with us.
What an amazing artist! Just love your voice
Such a talented performer x
Claire is incredible, I would recommend her a hundred times over. She has the most wonderful combination of incredible talent, diverse range of music and so much likability that it’s hard not to have a good time around her and her music!
Been following her for years and never get tired of hearing her work.
Spectacular voice, wonderful to work with and a broad spectrum of music to cater for everyone!
Cannot recommend her more!
We absolutely love having Claire North perform at RedClay! Her voice is soulful, her stage presence warm and engaging, and she brings such a beautiful energy to the space. The audience was captivated from start to finish, and it’s always a treat to host her. We can’t wait to welcome her back again soon! 🎶
Claire can go from angel voice to rock chick in 2s. I have seen her many a times and love her versatile voice. Her passion for music shows and no doubt, you will get up and dance!
Incredible vocals and an incredible human.
Definitely Definitely Definitely one of PE best !!!
We loved having Claire play at our wedding! It added such a lovely ambiance with her beautiful voice and soft tones. Claire can read the room well and chose her songs accordingly. She moved from slower songs during dinner to more upbeat ones as the dance floor opened.
She is very professional and was so accommodating with any requests that we had. You won’t regret booking Claire for your function.
From sweet soft vocals to belting highs, accompanied by excellent guitar playing, Claire North will be sure to take your event to a new level of class.
Reconnecting with Claire after our school reunion has been such a joy. While we didn’t spend much time together back then, seeing the artist and wonderful person she is today has been incredible.
Living in the UK, I haven’t yet had the privilege of seeing her perform live, but I’ve been lucky enough to catch a few WhatsApp videos shared by friends, even getting a little wave from Claire herself, which made it all the more special.
She’s not only a kind lady with a beautiful heart but also a truly talented artist with a voice that packs a punch. I could happily listen to her sing all day and can’t wait to finally see her perform in person the next time I’m in GQ.