UK based Nigerian Artiste, Nwando speaks about her musical career, the romantic side of her male fans, her mentors among others.
Could you introduce yourself?
My name is Nwando, I’m a 24 year old Nigerian female gospel artist based in the UK. My name is an Igbo name meaning ‘this child is a shelter’. I know in certain dialects it means different things but the name my parents gave me bears rbis meaning. I chose it over my well known name Naza as I wanted my music to be like a shelter to those who listen to it and provide them comfort.
Let’s have an insight into your musical background?
-due to my shyness growing up my musical experience was quite limited. Though the times that I did step up and audition for a role in school I would usually get it. I sang very much as a hobby growing up, loving my personal karaoke sessions and slowly building up confidence to sing in church at times. I spent a lot of my teenage years and university years coming up with lyrics or melodies, sometimes they would come to me in a dream or late at night as that’s usually my most creative time. It wasn’t until COVID lockdown that I had this strong call from God almost like a ‘it’s now or never’ moment. Despite this I was still apprehensive, I had so many questions going through my mind. ‘Can I really do this?’ ‘Will anyone listen’. I questioned and questioned until I decided to take the step
What were the challenges you have faced initially in music and how did you overcome them
The biggest limitation was myself. For years I was stuck in a mindset of not being good enough or looking the part to be able to use my voice.
Finding music is not easy so that was also a challenge I experienced. Starting off I had no friends in the industry that I could speak to and my shyness made it difficult also so I was trying to figure things out as I went along. Through time and stepping out I’ve built a community of amazing people who encourage and support me in my music journey.
How would you describe your kind of music and what inspired it?
My music I hope encourages those who listen to it and that they are able to release to the lyrics I write. Most, if not all, of what I write is based on true lived experiences.
Tell us about your family and educational background
I’m from a family of four and I am the baby of the house but often I’m called grandmother due to my quietness. I have a degree in psychology.
Why did you take music as a career?
I wanted to be able to use my voice to encourage and uplift people but above all for God to be glorified.
How many singles have you produced , mention them–
I have 3 singles out, my first and most special single is Mama Said.
- Freedom
- Take it Slow Who are your best three musicians in Nigeria, and why?
- Marizu. He has such a unique tone and makes music in different genres but always manages to keep his own vibe. One of the first songs I’d listened to was his song ‘I know’. This was in a period of pain and trials and it reminded me of the very fact that God knows everything that involves me and that He’s always there for me.
- RytPath are a community of artists who produce the most sweetest and soul touching music. They have genres of all kinds as they have a range of artists with them. They released a love EP which makes you want to fall in love and even if you are in love already it makes you want to fall in love again.
- Limoblaze, all round artist from Nigeria. Super talented and super blessed! As a female musician, how do you cope with your male fans who desire to be intimate with you?
This wasn’t something I had thought of until recently. It requires having boundaries and assessing intentions. I appreciate my make fans but it’s not all who can have access to that romantic side of me. It also sparked a big question of people only liking you for the part that you show to them on social media. I’ve had experiences where people (men included) who judge you solely based on your music and your IG page that when they actually get to know you and notice a slight shift from the expectations they’ve built of you it’s a total difference. Overall I believe it’s important to have boundaries and carry yourself with integrity and remembering you don’t have to fill anyone’s expectations of who you are as an artist or as a woman.
Tell us about your love life
Haha my love life is in the works.
Who is mentoring you in the industry?
I’ve had a few artists I’ve spoken to about music but one of the most influential is an artist called Asha Elia a UK based r&b gospel artist who has given me so many tips through her team Lively Services. She’s taught me to be more confident with sharing my music and embracing who I am as an artist.
Which of the top music stars have you performed on stage with?
I’ve not yet performed on stage with any artist but I had a really interesting experience with Nigerian artist Limoblaze. He had a showcase in London that I went to with some creative friends. They were calling up people to share their talent and my friend literally pushed me on stage to sing one of my songs Take it slow which was releasing the day after the showcase. It was scary but also a great one.
Are you working on any new song for your fans?
- I am! I’m always finding ways to be creative but never in a forceful way. With my music it’s God who always guides me. I am working with a few up and coming artists also on some singles and remixes which I hope you can look forward to. Lastly, What is your view about the Nigeria music industry?
- I’m yet to learn more about the industry but I know it’s a tough environment to be in. It requires hard work, determination, consistency and hope. Hope that the efforts you’re putting in are recognised.
