Nneka: Why I can’t say anything bad about Buhari

Born Nneka Egbuna, the 35-year-old singer soon became known by her first name as she amassed fans all over the world. Her sound, unique and difficult to categorise, has seen her becoming a bona fide international star, appearing on famous TV shows and performing alongside the biggest megastars. The daughter of a Nigerian father and […]

Born Nneka Egbuna, the 35-year-old singer soon became known by her first name as she amassed fans all over the world. Her sound, unique and difficult to categorise, has seen her becoming a bona fide international star, appearing on famous TV shows and performing alongside the biggest megastars. The daughter of a Nigerian father and a German mother, she moved to Hamburg at 19 to study anthropology, and she soon started exploring her musical talent. Her debut album, the critically-acclaimed ‘Victim of Truth’, was followed by ‘No Longer at Ease’, which spawned her biggest hit yet: the raw, hauntingly powerful ‘Heartbeat’ and instantly cemented her status as an artiste to be reckoned with. Her current album, ‘My Fairy Tales’ is a collection drenched in reggae and Afrobeat-laced beats and sees her growing even more in her craft. The soft-spoken, charismatic singer opened up to Daily Trust about her life as a singer, her career, and much more.

Daily Trust: ‘Heartbeat’ is your biggest hit so far, both in Nigeria and internationally. Why do you think listeners connected with those lyrics and sound so well?
Nneka: I think it was the music, mainly, then secondly the message. The video was also a big influence and had a lot of impact, especially for the fact it was the first time anyone did that kind of video in Nigeria. I think that it was a good thing to represent Nigeria in a positive light, depicting the middle of the street, involving regular everyday people and making them be part of something beautiful. The message itself has to do with us as Africans freeing our minds and ourselves from the slavery of our ancestors and colonial fathers.
DT: Your music seems to be far more successful outside Nigeria. Why is this so?
Nneka: I think it’s a perception thing. I obviously got signed to a record label abroad. Also, at certain times, Nigerians were not too receptive. Also, because my message is quite heavy for certain people, and I talk a lot about critical, social issues and politics.
DT: You’ve opened for major artistes like Nas, Damian Marley and Lenny Kravitz. What’s it like to work with people whose work you love?
Nneka: It’s amazing. I learn a lot from them, as they’ve been in the business way longer than me. It certainly is a blessing, as I’m also able to express myself opening to a wider audience.
DT: You’ve been writing political lyrics since your debut at age 19. Will we see more of that in your more current work?
Nneka: Yes. In that regard, I’m doing my best to work with people who are an inspiration to me.
DT: In an interview with Ebony.com, you seemed to have a soft spot for President Buhari. Do you think Nigeria is doing better with him as leader?
Nneka: I can’t say anything bad about him, because I believe that we as Nigerians – as people and as human beings – need to change and not wait on our leaders.
DT: What do you think of the Nigerian music scene?
Nneka: It is changing a lot, evolving into many things. There is this new movement of Afrobeat, and it is a good thing because Nigerians are becoming more conscious and have something good to say.
DT: Is there a single Nigerian artiste you would collaborate with at the drop a hat?
Nneka: I have done that already. But I would always work with Femi [Kuti].
DT: Your performance at the Dave Letterman Show in New York was electrifying. How did it feel?
Nneka: It was awesome. They found me through my record company. They thought ‘Heartbeat’ was a great song and decided to put me on. The Letterman Show was a kick-off of sorts, as after that Nigerians began to embrace my music, which is ironic in its way.
DT: You’ve lived in a number of cities. Which one is your favourite, and why?
Nneka: I like Warri, where I was born and raised because it always reminds me of where I am from and no-one judges me for the colour of my skin, or anything like that.
DT: When is your next album dropping and what should fans expect?
Nneka: Next year, hopefully. I’m preparing for it, but for now I am touring and working on some recordings at the same time. It will be a great oeuvre.