Singer finds her voice and a new home in Pocatello

POCATELLO — Nine years ago, singer-songwriter Lenae Nefae arrived in Pocatello from southern California, seeking a fresh start. Today, she’s become a favorite in Old Town Pocatello, known for her heartfelt performances that echo through the city’s breweries, coffee shops and street corners.

Formerly known as Lenet Neifert, Nefae recently adopted a French version of her name, marking a new chapter as she expands her performances and presence across the region.

Nefae has loved singing for as long as she can remember. As a young girl, she sang in church and spent hours spinning her mother’s 45s (7-inch vinyl records) on a Playskool record player, drawn to the soulful sounds of James Brown and the Temptations. But one song that truly left its mark was “Angel in Your Arms” by the all-female group called Hot. She played that song over and over again.

“When I first moved to Pocatello, I entered some local singing competitions and started singing in small coffee shops. Slowly, people started noticing me and offering me paid singing gigs,” Nefae said.

Nefae found Pocatello to be a warm and close-knit community.

“The people have embraced me,” she said. “I absolutely love it here.” These days, she’s a regular fixture at Gate City Coffee every Thursday night and performs a couple of times a month at Off The Rails Brewing.

She remembers the moment she knew Pocatello was the right place. While scoping Gate City Coffee as a gig, she noticed the word “JEWELR” painted on a mural.

“My mother, who had recently passed away, was named Jewel R. I knew then that I was right where I was supposed to be,” she said.

Anyone who has strolled through Old Town Pocatello’s “First Friday Art Walk” has likely been drawn to Nefae singing on a street corner with a Bluetooth speaker, music stand, and microphone. There, under the street lamps, she plays music tracks and delivers what she lovingly calls “music for the soul.”

Nefae’s repertoire includes R&B, soul, blues, and country, with some of her favorite covers including “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” “What a Wonderful World,” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Her favorite go-to song is “Colors” by Black Pumas.

Last year, Nefae discovered a hidden talent for songwriting when John Armstrong, director of commercial music at Idaho State University, invited her to write and perform an original piece for the African American Alliance Juneteenth celebration in Idaho Falls. Though she doesn’t read music, Nefae searched deep within herself — and one morning, she woke up singing the chorus to a song she titled “You Knew.”

“‘You Knew’ is a metaphor for being enslaved for freedom. It came from deep within my soul and my life experiences,” said Nefae. “I knew this song was from God who knows my heart. And I know now not to put limitations on myself.”

Since that breakthrough, Nefae has been invited to perform her original song alongside the Idaho State University choir.

“What I love most about singing is that my singing seems to bless people, and that makes me feel good,” Nefae concluded.

Anyone interested in booking Nefae can message her on Facebook or email her at [email protected].