It's always a tricky proposition proclaiming someone the next big thing, but Nigerian vocalist and guitarist Nneka Egbuna's crackling, appealing voice, photogenic look and thoughtful, provocative compositions have impressed plenty of people in the years since she began appearing outside her homeland.
Her Nashville debut Thursday at 3rd & Lindsley follows the release of Concrete Jungle, her first album on these shores, an appearance on the Late Show With David Letterman, and her selection by Rolling Stone and Spin as one of 2010's most promising artists.
Yet none of that attention means much to Nneka, who disdains talk about stardom and professes little interest in the spectrum of music business activity beyond making sure her music reaches the widest possible audience. In fact she says she became a performer because she wanted to utilize the bandstand's appeal and power to encourage positive social action and change. It's a theme that resounds in many of her songs and throughout her conversations and interviews.
"While others talk about politics, I sing about people and what each person can do to help others," she says by phone from San Francisco. "For me, politics is all about people and what they are willing to do on their behalf. My music has been informed by my experiences growing up in Nigeria, the things around me and the things that I've seen.
"When people complain about corruption, if they don't take action to fight these things, then those complaints don't mean anything. I'm trying to reach out to others as one human being to another, using music to inspire, inform and move people. It's the best way for me to say what's on my mind and also tell people about things happening in my country."
Her lush, powerful voice developed through singing in both school and church choirs in Warri, Nigeria. She recalls multiple conflicts throughout her young life (she was born in 1981), many stemming from Warri's situation among the most oil-rich areas in Nigeria's Delta State. Nneka has seen Western corporations come into the area to build structures that reap maximum profit for themselves, while providing minimum returns to the local populace.
Her first single, "The Uncomfortable Truth," a former iTunes single of the week, declares in a frenetic voice that the current government is "choking us to death," while the tones of unity she celebrates in "From Africa 2 U" reflect her desire to do far more with her career than place songs on charts or become an international star.
Nneka's current producer is DJ Farhot (Hit Spot Productions), with whom she's been working the past few years. Concrete Jungle combines cuts from her first two releases, and the sophisticated studio work and production display her ability to integrate her voice into many frameworks. Hip-hop seeps into her approach on "Showin' Love," while "Mind vs. Heart" merges sensuality and fervor, and "Heartbeat" blends highlife accompaniment and rock energy.
In the radiant smile and effusive personality on display in various videos on her website and MySpace page, it is clear Nneka has the charisma to win over audiences otherwise unaware of or not interested in geopolitics. Plus, like all smart artists, Nneka doesn't confine her music solely to political issues. She's equally captivating when doing lighter numbers, sentimental pieces or rhythm-based fare with disposable lyrics.
Similarly, while there's a long list of musicians she admires (besides Fela Kuti they include Bob Marley, Lauryn Hill and rappers Mos Def, Talib Kweli and Mobb Deep), she downplays the notion any of these people directly influenced her to embrace music as a career. "I started singing and playing because it was the best way to express the things in my heart and what I saw happening in my community," she continues. "I started playing the guitar three years ago for the same reason; it was a good way to add some colors and sounds to what I was doing. I've certainly heard many great musicians both in Africa and around the world and admire them, but I didn't really consider getting into music because I heard any one song or person."
She says she's excited about her trip to Nashville, mainly because she's never been to the Southern part of the country. "I've got to get one of those big maps and learn a little more geography," she laughs.
Email music@nashvillescene.com.
