Nanya Spark, also well-known as Nanya, is a talented singer, songwriter, and recording artist originally hailing from Nigeria. A music lover from a young age, Nanya has been pursuing music nearly all of her life and over the years, she has carefully crafted her own versatile sound and style which her followers love her for. Most recently, Nanya Spark has announced her highly-awaited new EP titled "Yung x Wildin" onto all digital streaming platforms! This dynamic collection of new songs features some of the artist's best work yet, and is filled with untamed energy and colorful melodies. In just a short amount of time since its release on July 8th, "Yung x Wildin" has already received an immensely positive reception from both dedicated and new listeners from all around the world. In addition, the official music video for "Bow Down", the lead single off of Nanya Spark's new EP is now available to watch on YouTube. Follow Nanya Spark on her social media platforms to stay tuned on her future music releases and news!
Listen to "Yung x Wildin" now on Spotify:
"Afrobeat isn't just a genre, it is a Movement." - Nanya Spark
INTERVIEW
Hello, Nanya! Thank you very much for joining us today. First things first, could you tell me how you discovered your passion for music?
Nanya: Speaking in retrospect, I honestly cannot remember when I was "not" associated with music in one way or the other. Music has been a part of my existence. I started writing songs before I was 10, I used to write songs at the back of my note books, in class, at home, everywhere and I would sing them to my Dad who is also a music lover. I vividly remember this particular scenery in my head, where I was laying on the floor beside the vinyl that was playing some 1970s old school jams, I remember looking at my Dad and telling him that I would be a musician when I grew up. He actually has a huge role in my music journey. Before I knew how to write my name, I already knew how to sing to the legendary nigerian musician, Bright Chimezie's songs because he was my Dad's favorite. Everyone in my family loved music. My four sisters and I formed a dance group and performed at events with our eldest sister being our chaperone. Then I ended up joining a group of boys from my neighborhood to form a music band called "Red Eye". I was a young hustler and all I wanted was to fulfill my dream of being a famous musician some day!
What three words would you say best describe your style & music as a whole?
Nanya: Sweet, Badass, and Unapologetic.
What do you love the most about the Afrobeat music genre?
Nanya: Afrobeat is a ground-breaking genre and I love that most music lovers regardless of race and language, see themselves gearing towards accepting and loving it and even exploring it further. I feel it's such a unique genre that gives you an opportunity to express yourself in many different ways. There is Afropop, Afro-fusion, Afro-soul and a lot of other elements of Afrobeats that lets you blend in while still keeping your originality. Afrobeat isn't just a genre, it is a Movement.
Tell me a little about your recent debut EP titled, “Yung x Wildin”.. what is something very special about it?
Nanya: "Yung x Wildin" is a 7 track list Ep, featuring "Bow Down", which is the lead single off the Ep, "Remedy" "Mojo" "Undress" "Sinner" "Oyi" and "Yawa". Each song carries a different kind of vibe and melodic tune. The EP as a whole focuses on Infatuation, Empowerment, Love, Heartbreak, Dance, and Living life. Everything about this body of work is special to me, including the title. I came up with the title because of how I felt working on the project. I felt different because I had not explored different sounds like I did on this EP. I was fearless and unapologetic in my approach and execution, I wanted to do "me" and not be is stereotypical. I knew this was the project to prove that!
You have some really great tracks on your EP! I’d like to know, do you have a favorite song on it? Why is it your favorite?
Nanya: I love all the tracks on the EP individually because I recorded them at different stages and phases and I have separate emotions when I listen to each of them. But I would say the track that stands out for me is "Bow Down" because I feel like I run the whole world when I sing it. I felt that same way when I wrote it. I feel powerful, energized, like I can break down any wall. The lyrics have a strong force to it that makes you feel like you can do and be anything you want to be.
Most artists say that through their art they learn more about themselves, heal injuries… in what ways has music helped you?
Nanya: Music is my poison and my own music is the antidote. My music journey has been a Rollercoaster but at the end of the day, I still make sure I'm holding strong through the ride. It's been sour, bittersweet, but I've never been discouraged because quitting is not an option. I listen to a lot of my favorite artists on a daily basis. I love Rihanna, Doja cat, Nicki Minaj, Beyonce and Billie Eilish. I often heal from melodies, I play the keyboard to express my emotions and when I feel weak, I get energy from dance. Music has helped me in more ways than I can imagine.
How do you want your music to help or affect other people?
Nanya: I want to help people communicate and interpret their moods and feelings through my music. That is why I try to write about things that I have felt myself or someone close to me have felt, because I know they are real. Whether it’s about vulnerability, staying strong, love, rejection, betrayal, being unapologetic, fun, sex, Infatuation and whatnot, I just write in my own unique but relatable way. I want my music to help someone be a better version of themselves.
What is your interpretation of being an artist? What does it mean to you?
Nanya: I believe every artist should have their core values and features that makes them stand out from the rest. There should be something about you as an artist. It could be the way you walk, talk, smile, dance, your personality, even the way you say your name. It could be anything. There should be something unique about you. It's takes more than music to brand yourself as an artist.
Who would you say is your number one musical influence?
Nanya: I grew up listening to a lot of 80s and 90s rap and hip hop. But in terms of musical influence, I would say Rihanna, Beyonce, and just recently Doja Cat. I don't imitate anybody, but sometimes I see myself in these amazingly talented women. From my personality, my energy, to my dreams and long-term music career goals.
What is the next “big thing” the world can expect from you?
Nanya: I still have a long way to go with my career. Even though I've done music my whole life, I'm just getting started. I just dropped my Debut EP which is a huge step for me, and I plan dropping visuals for the songs. I also intend to have more music collaborations, new music, and generally touring the world and creating a bigger fan base. I've got a lot in store and I want to give it to the whole world.
Watch Nanya Spark's Official Lyric Video for "Bow Down" now on YouTube:
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