I have preordained this woman as being on the list of Musical Legends. Whether or not whoever it is that decides legend status actually ever decrees it on Nneka, she will forever remain a legend in my own musical world. If you don’t already know about this incredibly talented artist and her music, you are missing out on something special.
Nneka is Nigerian-German.
Her collection of music released since 2005 is a diverse and sophisticated blend of mostly soul, r&b, hip hop, reggae and afro beat. Each Nneka song is different – in its mix of musical styles – and with tempos ranging from soulful ballads to more upbeat tracks awesome to dance to.
Nneka’s voice, when singing and rapping, is unique, and beautiful. Her lyrics are conscious ones. She tackles important issues of political and social injustices, spirituality, and the importance of recognising and accepting the polarities of light and darkness in the world whilst focusing on love and positivity over hate and negativity.
Nneka has collaborated and toured with incredible artists around the world, including Damian Marley, Tricky, The Roots & Nas. That might give you some idea of the high calibre of talent Nneka is. I have no idea how popular Nneka is around the world – but I have the feeling that it’s not nearly enough – and that many more people need to know about her music, and will love it as much as I do.
Here are some sample listening tracks. Extra strong MP3 warning for Nneka- there is so much more sound goodness to be heard on the original CDs, all of which are easy to buy online. Buying these Nneka albums is some of the best spent money in my lifetime.
Soul Is Heavy (2012)
Sleep (feat Ms Dynamite) – Soul Is Heavy
My Home – Soul Is Heavy
Concrete Jungle (2010)
Walking – Concrete Jungle
Suffri (Band Version) – Concrete Jungle
Kangpe (feat Wesley Williams) – Concrete Jungle
No Longer At Ease (2008)
Focus – No Longer At Ease
Gypsy – No Longer At Ease
Victim of Truth (2005)
Africans – Victim of Truth
Confession – Victim of Truth
Material Things – Victim of Truth
The Uncomfortable Truth (2005)
Heartbeat – The Uncomfortable Truth (EP)
I absolutely must see Nneka live when I get the opportunity. Until then I’ll have to be satisfied to watch this video of a recent live show at and by the Sziget Festival in Hungary…
Surely after hearing the music and seeing the footage, you agree that Nneka should be decreed a Musical Legend?
