Popularly known as Nana Rae, Nancy Obison is a versatile and talented female artist renowned for her ability to dish out amazing and awe-inspiring sounds. She is an artist with a difference known for her exquisite songwriting ability.
Nana who started singing when she was 10 years old linked her musical interests to the likes of Nigerian singers like 2Baba, Tiwa Savage, Asa, Wizkid, among others. She is a hardworking artist who believes so much in trying new things. She has coined a new niche in the afrobeat world and she terms it ‘Afrovibe‘ – a mix of afrobeat and R&B.
Catch up on Nana Rae’s perspectives and future plans as she is interviewed and covered by Lambo Xtra’s What’s Next feature.
Hey Nana Rae! Tell us about you?
My name is Nancy Obison Chigemezu, I’m from Imo state Nigeria Ikeduru L.g.a. Born and raised in Lagos Orile, I’m a 400L student of Imo state university Owerri Imo State. I am an Afrobeat singer/songwriter. I am loving, kind-hearted, focused, and determined.
What is the message/inspiration behind “Addiction”?
“Addiction” was inspired by my past relationship with my ex, talks about love and lust, looking at society. There is now this anthem called “breakfast” which means breakup which some lady finds so easy to move on while some find it difficult to. Addiction is a song that is so relatable and touching.
You’ve always wanted to be a musician, what has been the most rewarding part of pursuing a career in music? What was the biggest challenge to getting to this point?
Music has always been in me right from birth, At 10 I could remember singing and memorizing most African music like music from 2face, Tiwa Savage, Davido, Asa, Wizkid, and many more At that time I kept telling myself One day I’ll be like them and I just believed it. Although I know how tough and hard the music industry is regarding we have lots of talented artists but am happy I have people that listened and appreciate my sound and to me, that’s the biggest reward an artist could ever ask for. Being an independent artist is not easy because the amount of hard work and resources you have to put in just for people to recognize your sound is difficult. Am a type that likes giving things a try and doesn’t back down easily so we keep pushing till the hustle pays off.
How has your sound evolved over time? How do you hope it evolves/changes going forward?
I would say my sound is something most people termed to describe, some say my sound is Afrosoul, some say Afropop, etc but I think my sound is Afrovibe. Because it has the flavor of AFrobeat and a feel of Rnb. But I’ll still call myself an AFrobeat artist and let my fan decide how they feel about my sound. I hope my sound evolves internationally, and I hope one day it will be appreciated and recognized globally.
Do you usually draw lyrical inspiration from your own experience or from stories around you?
I get inspirations from God first, my experience, people’s experience, my environment, and things happening around me, all those things combined together help in motivating me in writing my lyrics.
Nana Rae tell us what’s next?
Nana Rae is the next big thing to come out of Nigeria, Africa, and the world at Large watch out!!
