Interview and words by Art Jefferson
Photography by Hugues Lawson and Patrice Bart-Williams
Critically praised albums, a MOBO Award, collaborations, remixes and features which include iconic artists such as Nas, Ziggy Marley and Tricky, an official recording for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, worldwide performances including shared stages with Gnarls Barkley, Femi Kuti and Lenny Kravitz, not to mention the ever constant comparisons to Lauryn Hill by the press: for many artists, these sort of credentials would be like holding a lucky lottery ticket, however for Nneka Egbuna, the mission of her work weighs heavy with far more importance. Using the power of her voice to touch on topics such as social injustice, political corruption and the power of love, Nneka courageously and consistently travels a road that has only been driven by a select few in comparison to the overall musical landscape. Maybe like the written prophets of the past, this choice was more of a calling.
Born in Warri, Nigeria, Nneka left her native country at age 19 and headed to Hamburg, Germany where she pursued a degree in Anthropology. Between studying and adjusting to the profound cultural differences in her new city, she met DJ Farhot and began perfecting her craft of music, eventually leading her to perform various shows around Hamburg, and ultimately releasing her 2005 debut EP The Uncomfortable Truth via Yo Mama Recordings. That same year, Nneka unveiled her first full-length entitled Victim of Truth, which was welcomed with a tidal wave of acclaim. Releasing No Longer at Ease in 2008, the album hit the charts in various countries throughout Europe and again earned high ratings from numerous publications. The LP’s first single “Heartbeat” was remixed by Chase & Status and later sampled by UK pop star Rita Ora. 2010 saw her third LP and first US release Concrete Jungle with Nneka performing on America’s Late Show with David Letterman television show and a number of concerts throughout the country to a more than ready U.S. audience. By 2012, her sound had incorporated live instrumentation, coinciding with the digital Hip-Hop sound of her past work and her well familiar emphasis of reggae, birthing the album Soul Is Heavy which featured UK mainstay Ms. Dynamite and Black Thought of The Roots. The album spawned Nneka’s epic single “My Home”, with more chart success throughout Europe and The U.S.
Nneka’s latest album My Fairy Tales, released on her imprint Bushqueen Music, further explores her love of dub and reggae along with afrobeat and highlife. Like her past recordings, she doesn’t compromise speaking her truth and delivering a slice of social commentary that is as potent and needed as ever.
My Fairy Tales, in my opinion, feels like a homecoming of sorts, spiritually and personally. The sound is steeped in roots, dub, afrobeat and highlife. Lyrically, you address everything from politics in Nigeria to love and forgiveness. Would you say that this is your most personal album?
Nneka – No, I wouldn’t say it’s my most personal album, it’s just a little more authentic. In most cases, all I do is personal. I try not to get too attached.
I do use different sounds. For instance, I use happy sounds to approach heavy, intense messages and topics – can come across as a bit contradictive.
Although you are no stranger to the sound of roots and reggae, when you began writing for the new album, did you already know the musical direction that you wanted to take, in terms of it being less digital and more organic?
Nneka – Not at all, My Fairy Tales happened very naturally and unplanned. I wanted to work with different people to add a colourful vibe and learn how to interact musically with others, which I hadn’t done in the past.
Throughout your music career, you have always been one to speak a sort of truth to power. Many outspoken artists of the past have suffered for their braveness to shine the light on wrongdoing. When did you develop an understanding of your courage, and at what point did you know that it could be used to help raise awareness to certain issues that affect the lives of many?
Nneka – Still I am very much afraid. The challenge is the test – to do it all for God whilst being afraid. This is what moves me and triggers me to speak love where there is hate and triumph to get the best outcome of the experience.
You have garnished critical praise throughout your career, earning high reviews for your work, selling out shows worldwide, etc. Yet you have never appeared to be distracted by celebrity or fame, and have kept the focus on the mission of your music. What keeps you steadfast and grounded?
Nneka – My faith and the world in general, just seeing and learning from others makes me grounded so I don’t drift too far. My music reminds me of the beginning, the footsteps of the many people who have paved the way to enable me to remain with the spirit.
Earlier this year in London there were the protests outside the Nigerian Embassy against the actions of the militant group Boko Haram. What are your thoughts on the turn of events that have happened in Nigeria?
Nneka – I think it is very sad, but we are hoping and praying that our president is in a position to change these things like he has previously promised. I, on the other hand, think it’s important as a Nation to take responsibility and not just blame our leaders alone. We must stop the tribalism and separation. When the root is healthy, we can talk about the surface.
Of course there were also the protests in America regarding the deaths of Eric Garner and Michael Brown, both at the hands of the police, not to mention a global recession that has lasted years. If there were ever a time for music to be used as a tool to raise awareness, now would be the time. Yet what we’ve seen in the mainstream and underground is music boasting more lighthearted content. Do you think that people are simply looking for ways to tune out to the problems or have they just become numb to them?
Nneka – Yes. Music can be an escape from the madness, which is a good thing.
Finally, you once said that love is the true solution to much of the world’s problem. In your opinion, what can we all do to make sure that message is spread, heard and felt, and are you optimistic that we will one day reach that place of being?
Nneka – As long as we are part and parcel of what we preach and speak, yes. I think it can be effective to change the mindset of the many. We cannot just point fingers and do nothing. It starts with the way we treat each other and how we treat ourselves. Through these acts, there is a reflection projected in the bigger picture, society and the world.
Nneka’s “My Fairy Tales” is out now on Bushqueen.
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