Budding singer, songwriter and fine artist Nissi Ogulu has been around for some time, doing what she knows how to do best -singing and creating animation.
She hails from a family of music, being the younger sister to Nigerian Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy.Nissi is defining her own path and creating her own space, different from that of her elder brother who’s wading a huge influence on the global musical scene. Having released back to back songs from 2020, when she dropped her EP titled ‘Ignite’ , to 2022, when she released ‘Overthinking”, Nissi hasn’t relented in her quest to be ranked among the top Nigerian female singers who are making waves on the global stage. With her latest release, ‘Unboxed’, Nissi is set to claim her spot in the country’s music scene. The EP is a showcase of her artistic prowess and commitment to pushing creative limits in the global music world. In this encounter, Nissi talks about her love for music, art and technology, revealing how her grandfather, Benson Idonije introduced her to emotional connection to music. She also talks about her latest EP, “Unboxed” and what makes it unique among other things.
Let’s start with your new EP, ‘Unboxed.’ What is it all about?
“Unboxed”, is a collection of seven tracks, of a sonic voyage that encapsulates my unique blend of Afro Jazz, R&B, and Soul. Each song is a chapter in my narrative, exploring themes of love, empowerment, and self-discovery. The EP promises a musical experience that is both refreshing and emotionally resonant. Its really about introducing people to the different sides of myself .
I have listened to your earlier songs, what makes Unboxed unique?
I think ‘Unboxed’ is a bit more personal, even if it’s not personal experiences. Personal to me in the sense that I am familiar with the experiences of people who are close to me. Every song in itself is an expression of a feeling that I am familiar with whether myself or external factors that are around me. ‘Unboxed’ is my second EP containing seven tracks. I think the singles that came out first are obviously the ones I have pushed more. I will say probably, ‘Nobody’ , featuring Fireboy DML is the hit track. Released on February 3, 2023, ‘Nobody’ is a celebration of the fierce love and loyalty between two people who would defy the world for each other. It’s a testament to the depth of connection that love can foster. We also have Thunder featuring Teni, ‘Overthinking’, “Unwind”, Higher, “Heavy” produced by Telz which is the first track on the EP. It is a song that speaks about the love and beauty of friendship. And then ‘Unboxed’, the title track among others.
You started singing at the age of 9, how did your path and music cross?
My mum had a music school when we were growing up. I was playing the instruments then and I also could sing. I was 4, when she established the music school. I didn’t really know what I had or what I didn’t have. But I just knew I was good at music, especially from the instrument perspective and the theory of music. With the passage of time, I started to evolve in my practices from playing instruments to creating melodies and singing. And that’s how it started.
At what point did you decide to go into music full time?
When I was 13, I did a demo, my first ever demo. It was like a reworked version of an adapted cover from another existing song . I had it played for several members of my family. So, it was at the reception of that song that my family members realized that I had a profound gift which they needed to take seriously.
Your grandfather, Benson Idonije was Fela’s first manager. Did he in any way influence you musically?
He’s one of my biggest influences and supporters in music. He was one of the people who listened to my first demo. He was the one that introduced me to various kinds of music. He also introduced me to emotional connection to music and how to depict that in my songs. He’s really been my main pillar of support. I would say music runs in my family, My mum and brother in a way are into music.
You have done so well in the area of music and art, yet your name doesn’t ring a bell like that of Tems, Teni, Tiwa Savage among other notable female singers. What could be responsible for this?
I don’t know. I think these things are the way to go. I believe time will tell.
What’s your take on Nigerian music dominating the world stage at the moment?
I think we have the opportunity to do it and I live and hope that it works. I think it’s time for us to be pioneers of a particular type of music like Afrobeats. I think it’s possible ,
Why is it that the male singers are dominating the space more than the female singers? Do you think female singers are not doing enough in this regard?
I don’t think that the female singers are not doing enough. I think they are doing enough, if not more than the male singers. It boils down to society and how the artists are being marketed to the audience. It’s not a gender based thing. I still think the women are doing amazingly well in their crafts.
You studied Mechanical Engineering and you were part of the team that assembled Range Rover Jaguar. You are also into animation and music, how do you find time to combine these different fields of human endeavour?
They are all part of my passion, I have been doing them for years now. So, it’s not really very difficult any more. I just learnt how to manage my time better in terms of scheduling my duties and I have a fantastic team.
How did you get into animation?
I have always been doing art and music. In fact, I have always been tech-fascinated. I am an Afropolitan. In my family, we are always overwhelmed with our local stories and I realized that a lot of our stories are not being told, a lot of histories being lost to time. History defines who you are. It has to find representation especially among the younger generation. I’m married to music, art and storytelling. I’m also married to technology. For me, it’s like a combination of all the things that I am, all the things that I am interested in. And it allows me to use a different media to express myself.
