This June, Spotify’s EQUAL Africa programme shines a highlight on Njerae, a rising Kenyan artist whose voice carries each vulnerability and conviction. Her music, described as soulful and refreshing, presents greater than melody; it’s a type of launch, therapeutic, and self-expression born from navigating each private silence and social noise.
Njerae’s journey into music started in quiet rebel. A naturally introverted soul, she discovered herself writing as a strategy to course of the world; beginning with poetry within the aftermath of a nationwide tragedy, and later reworking these feelings into music. What began as a personal outlet grew right into a public reward.
With Sauti Sol and Phy as early inspirations, Njerae’s artistry displays the affect of African greats, whereas carving a definite lane of her personal. Her presence in a male-dominated trade is outlined not by opposition, however by unapologetic authenticity. “This is such an enormous alternative for me and I’m tremendous excited to have my face on such a platform,” she says of her EQUAL Africa recognition. “It’s such an incredible program particularly that focuses on placing ladies on prime, empowering them, and I like that. It’s one thing that pushes us, and it’s an enormous honor.”
She provides, “A quote I reside by is ‘Dress for the job you need, and never the one you will have.’ Again, I by no means let being a girl intrude with my journey. I’m going to maintain pushing and going after what I need no matter my gender, and I cannot dim my mild for something as a result of I’m a girl.”
Get to know Njerae in her personal phrases under.
What is one stunning factor your followers could not learn about you?
I’ve by no means had another job apart from doing music. I’ve by no means been employed.
When did you understand music was in your future and what’s your WHY for pursuing this craft?
I’m very introverted. Growing up, I spotted I might hold issues inside after which I’d find yourself having an enormous blow-out which is simply not wholesome. I then began writing across the time there was plenty of terrorism within the nation, round someday there was some bomb that blew in a matatu and I keep in mind that was the primary time I simply wrote. It was extra like poetry, no melody or something. Slowly, I picked up the guitar and began writing with devices and a melody and music simply grew to become a type of expression reasonably than placing it out for folks to take heed to. I had particular issues I didn’t know methods to inform folks and it was solely by music I may accomplish that, and that’s my motive.
Which African songs or artists did you develop up listening to?
I grew up listening to plenty of Sauti Sol, Phy, Tiwa Savage, artists like Wahu – however primarily Sauti and Phy. Sauti I simply really feel like they began doing it and made it work however Phy was the primary African lady that I noticed play guitar on stage, singing unhappy love songs that folks would jam to. When she did “Taboo” – that impressed me loads to go to Sauti Academy and I’m right here at this time.
To somebody who’s by no means heard your music, how would you describe your sound, tone and magnificence?
My music is absolutely soulful and refreshing. It’s like a breath of recent air – like a pleasant sigh of reduction.
Any recommendation for somebody dreading following their dream?
If you’re dreading it , is it actually your dream? (Chuckles) Nothing good ever comes simple. Even with me, I’ve been pursuing this music dream , by subsequent yr – it’ll be ten years, however in the event you ask anybody – they’ll say I simply began releasing music 2 years in the past.
Nothing good ever comes simple. It’s gonna be plenty of arduous work. Special individuals are those who will probably be put down. Many folks informed me stuff like ‘My music is simply too wordy or too white’ and I’m glad that I didn’t actually take note of them. At the top of the day, the dream is mine and I’m the one one who is aware of why I’m doing it, what I need from it – and the sort of satisfaction it provides me is just not the identical it’s going to give the doubters. So hold pushing, and it’ll come on the finish of the day.
How do you navigate the trade as a girl artist , and the way does your distinctive perspective form your artistry?
Being a girl artist is just not simple, however one factor I’m specific about is that I don’t let that deter my journey. Me being a girl shouldn’t let that cease anybody from listening to my music and it shouldn’t cease me from dwelling the identical dream one other male artist is at the moment dwelling. There’s plenty of professionals and cons however it’s only a matter of understanding your values and upholding them. With something – simply focus in your targets and desires and never permitting something or anybody coming in between that – and simply hold pushing.
In phrases of my perspective , I’ve by no means shied away from saying as a result of I’m a girl – I would like this. There’s plenty of issues that I might require as a girl {that a} male could not essentially require however I by no means shrink back from expressing that I would like entry to sure issues that might make life extra bearable for instance – a delegated altering room, having area for a make-up artist, or little issues like a mirror or wipes – however I undoubtedly don’t let my gender have an effect on me or my qualification as an artist. I hold doing what I’m doing with my chest and my head held excessive.
A Quote from you navigating the male-dominated Industry and being a part of the EQUAL program:
This is such an enormous alternative for me and I’m tremendous excited to have my face on such a platform. It’s such an incredible program particularly that focuses on placing ladies on prime, empowering them, and I like that. It’s one thing that pushes us, and it’s an enormous honor.
A Quote I reside by is “Dress for the job you need, and never the one you will have” – Again, I by no means let being ladies intrude with my journey. I’m going to maintain pushing and going after what I need no matter my gender, and I cannot dim my mild for something as a result of I’m a girl.
