Nneka - Interview

Blessed by a voice dripping with shiver-inducing soul, Nigerian-born Nneka exudes an individuality and intelligence rarely seen amongst today’s crop of soulful chaunteuses. Simultaneously recalling the wisdom of Erykah Badu with the consciousness of Jill Scott, Nneka adds a refreshing African twist to both her music and her politically charged song-writing. On the eve of her successful London show to promote the new album ‘No Longer At Ease’ - a world away from West Africa in sunny Shoreditch – I caught up with Nneka to delve into the troubled mind of a fascinating Lady of Soul;

For people who don’t know about Nneka – what are you trying do with your music?
Its about the content, not just the music. I think I have something to say – my experiences negative and positive. There are certain topics that many artists do not stress despite being in the limelight. I decided to speak about topics such as corruption, bribery or injustice

Do you feel a social responsibility because of your position?
Exactly. I didn’t have the chance to do this a couple of years ago, but now I have the chance to speak about it. For instance Nigeria is an important topic. There are many Nigerians in England, London or around the world who don’t really know what is happening back home – such as what the Western world and our corrupt leaders are doing with Nigeria and Africa.

Your new album ‘No Longer At Ease’ has a very strong political edge to it, such as ‘Suffri’…
I am impressed you were able to identify and understand the message even though there’s no text in the booklet!

As an MC/poet I pay attention to what people say on both a political and subtext level - what is going on beneath the music. ‘Suffri’ takes it deep! Can you explain what the track is about?
Thank you. Suffri is about the Naija delta in the South of Nigeria, which has been the richest oil area for 60-70 years. Shell, NPC and Chevron have been extracting oil but not giving anything back to the people of Naija delta. In the process of extracting gases, gas is leaked and pollutes the air. People have lost their lives, including those fighting for justice – such as Ken Saro-Wiwa [executed Human Rights activist and figure-head]. I’m a voice shouting from inside the Naija delta for the common man without the opportunity – he’s crying out ‘Suffri’. Suffri means take it easy with what you do. Take it easy with the promises you say – if not why are you doing it? Take it easy before you kill more people. Before you kill my soul.

Have you had much feedback whether the Naija people are appreciative that you’re giving them a voice?
I grew up there and when I was there last month I performed the track - some people are very reserved musically. But when they understand the political message they open up. They are more touched when you address those topics.

You are clearly proud of your heritage. What piece of Nigeria do you take with you everywhere?
Its always there – the language, the laughter, the soul. Everything!

So you moved to Germany now?
No, Im both sides Lagos, Nigeria and Germany. I didn’t really make up my mind to move – I had to leave for personal issues. But now its better.

Looking back on it, do you feel your move was a positive thing?
Yeah. Without Germany I wouldn’t have had this opportunity. But also I wouldn’t have the opportunity to study or understand what I wanted in life or get to know yourself. Sometimes you just live but don’t feel. It gave me the chance to feel.

You studied Anthropology degree in Germany – do you feel it has affected the way you write music?
It does, when it comes to searching for the origin of mankind and where we are going. If you listen to my album you will notice that I’m searching for something – a healthy equilibrium between good and bad within myself.

No Longer At Ease is obviously very personal. What is different about this album from your last ‘ Uncomfortable Truth’.
The first was less open. I show a little bit of my true personality but you don’t really get to know about me/my roots. This one is more personal.

The stand out track for me is ‘Heartbeat’. The beats and production are exceptional, while the vocal style is original and deep. What was the inspiration behind that?
That tune was developed in just an hour. I had the loop beat before the drum, bass and keyboards. The beat of the kick drum was what inspired me, and that was what I was going thru at the time.

What artists have inspired you?
Africans such as Fela Kuti, Sonny Okosuns… plenty of Nigerian acts, I really look up to them.

For us in Britain, beyond Fela Kuti we are beginning to become more aware of the diversity of African sounds through the likes of Toumani Diabate and K’Naan. What African sounds have influenced you?
I always like to come up with my own ideas. With the Naija Delta song (Suffri??) its kind of Afrobeat although when writing it it wasn’t intended to be. The father of Afrobeat is Fela Kuti. In that case Afrobeat inspired me. When it comes to instruments, for instance in ‘From Africa To You’, we have Cameroonian rhythms because my bass player is from Cameroon. The guitar licks are quite West African roots. You don’t really hear these kind of sounds in Mali for instance. There are a lot of West African elements.

So you’ve played Holloway Prison…
… haha, yeah that was cool. It was very emotional because these people are behind bars and you share. I was able to speak to some of the people and it was very touching. Many of them were innocent. I felt I was able to support and give them some strength.

And you’re playing Cargo tonight - what can we expect from you live show?
No expectations! Please don’t expect anything, come with an open mind!