“Wake Up” is more than a debut, it’s a declaration — Nelly Baradi

Troniq Music’s newest signee, Nelly Baradi, is not just stepping into the spotlight — she’s stepping up with purpose. Her debut single, “Wake Up,” isn’t merely an introduction; it’s a bold statement of intent from an artist ready to bare her soul. “Wake Up” was born from what Nelly calls “quiet, vulnerable spaces where love […]

Troniq Music’s newest signee, Nelly Baradi, is not just stepping into the spotlight — she’s stepping up with purpose. Her debut single, “Wake Up,” isn’t merely an introduction; it’s a bold statement of intent from an artist ready to bare her soul.

“Wake Up” was born from what Nelly calls “quiet, vulnerable spaces where love and fear coexist.” For her, the song is deeply personal, echoing raw emotions of longing and hope. “All I want is you when I wake up,” she sings, a simple line that captures the universal need for closeness in a world that often feels uncertain.

“It’s more than a debut; it’s a declaration,” Nelly says. “It came from a real place — loneliness, longing, reflection. I’d been holding a lot inside, and this was my release. Every lyric is rooted in truth. I want people to feel seen, like someone finally put their unspoken feelings into a melody.”

Before claiming the mic for herself, Nelly honed her craft in the shadows of Afrobeats’ biggest names. Her background vocals have added warmth and texture to hits by Timaya, Peruzzi, Mohbad, Seyi Vibez, and Bella Shmurda. Songs like “Saro,” “Chance (Na Ham),” and “Man of the Year” carry her subtle yet powerful harmonies — a testament to her skill and ear for depth.

Working with industry heavyweights taught her more than just technical prowess. “Those collaborations were my training ground,” she explains. “I learned that music isn’t just about sound; it’s about feeling. Watching the greats taught me restraint, intention, and presence — qualities that shape how I create today.”

Born Nelly Toritseju Baradi in Sapele, Delta State, the rising Afro-R&B talent relocated to Lagos in 2018 — a move that sparked her evolution as an artist. In the heart of Nigeria’s music capital, she absorbed the city’s eclectic rhythms and wove them into her own sound, a soulful blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and honest storytelling.

With “Wake Up,” Nelly is inviting listeners into her world — a world where vulnerability is strength and melody is a mirror for our most unspoken thoughts. As she readies more music under Troniq Music, one thing is certain: Nelly Baradi’s voice won’t be confined to the background any longer.