Go out on a Monday night? With a 7 am alarm ready to go off on Tuesday morning, it better be more than worth it.
Nneka at the Highline Ballroom was far beyond worth it. She is a mind-blowing inspiration. Watch the video above (or any of her videos at Nneka World on YouTube) to allow her to introduce herself.
A child of two worlds, Nneka was born in Warri, Nigeria; the home of her Nigerian father, but spent her young adulthood in Hamburg, Germany; her mother’s country. Her music and spirit reflect both.
Nigeria’s musical influence extends far beyond its borders with legends such as Afrobeat founder Fela (and son Femi) Kuti preceeding her. And moving to Europe to pursue her degree at the University of Hamburg introduced its own level of experience and influence upon Nneka’s words and rhythms.
She comes in a small package, but strength exudes from behind Nneka’s guitar and out from under her knitted hat. Her voice is powerful and clear, despite her self-described “pidgeon English,” and resonates through the very core of one’s soul and heart. She sings of love and hope, and of despair and political unrest as her audience sings “Vagabonds in Power” (pronounced “poww-aahhh” in her charming accent) alongside her, in reference to the “V.I.P.” leaders of her native Nigeria. Or any corrupt leadership for that matter.
Nneka chooses to fight back with the spirit of music, she explains, rather than flesh and blood, and her audience can feel the passion and compassion she sources to craft her melodic messages. A rocking band including keyboard, drums, bass and guitar not only accompiany her, but seem to be one with her, responding at the raising of a finger or a glance from her eye.
Throngs of fans filled the Highline Ballroom, captivated by her presence, swaying, dancing, singing, clapping and at times watching silently in awe, as we all did when she sat down with her piano player to begin her set up to “Heartbeat.”
Nneka’s performance of “Heartbeat” was stunning and the crowd seemed afraid to draw even a breath, as her soul poured out of her mouth in song.
As midnight drew near, I ignored the ticking clock and joined the fans in the Highline Ballroom to cheer ceaselessly for Nneka and friends to rejoin the stage for an encore. Just one more. One more taste of her intoxicating voice, presence, music and message.
And of course she obliged. She is Nneka and Nneka is love.
