In February 2013,Nyanda (former Brick and Lace member)released her first promotional single, “Trouble”,after announcing that she would be pursuing a solo career in music. In February earlier this year,Nyanda has released an all new song entitled “Sacrifice”. The beautiful Jamaican singer this time journeys on a more Reggae/Roots vibe, and is contemplating pushing this record forth as an Official Single.
A-CHOICES: Hi Nyanda, thanks for chatting with us! Could you introduce yourself to our readers?
NYANDA: Hi guys it’s your Girl Nyanda from the group Brick and Lace (inna di place) lol. Thanks for Having me:)
A-CHOICES: What can you tell us about your new single, Sacrifice?
NYANDA: Sacrifice is my Reggae Adele vibe record. I actually was writing it to submit to Adele as a songwriter but when I was recording it, I really fell in love with it and wanted to keep it for myself. It speaks about the imbalance in relationships, where one person is bound to get their heart broken, until a perfect equilibrium is found in that equally reciprocated love type relationship.
A-CHOICES: So let’s get to the heart of the matter. Do you think that there are some links between African orality and the DJ phenomenon that emerged in the late 60s in Jamaica?
NYANDA: I’m not sure but I wouldn’t be surprised. We are all from the same origin and are interconnected in many ways, which doesn’t exclude the way we move and express ourselves musically.
A-CHOICES:Am I right if I say that African-American rap music partly derives from the Jamaican DJ culture?
NYANDA: Yes Jamaica sound systems had only one turntable and the selector would sometimes slick talk and rhyme on top of the beats which we call dj-ing in Jamaica.
A-CHOICES:Reggae and dancehall have global popularity now. How do you think they’ve evolved with the times?
NYANDA: I think they’re still underrated in comparison to hip hop culture. People are always copying the styles and using it in their music without dancehall getting the credit. Glad to see the global appreciation but much more needs to be done in terms of bringing dancehall to the forefront as a lucrative genre. it’s a matter of marketing and exposure…
A-CHOICES: You know, today, reggae roots artists from the 70s, like Max Romeo or The Mighty Diamonds, are more popular in Europe than in Jamaica itself. What’s your view on that particular point?
NYANDA:It’s a testament to the appreciation of our music internationally. But also it’s just another example of people taking something for granted when there’s easy access to it. Glad for them though, them pounds and euros nice lol .Your vibe always attracts your tribe.
A-CHOICES:Do you remember what the biggest challenge was that you encountered when starting out?
NYANDA: As Brick and Lace it was difficult defining our sound and getting producers to put us on riddims because we were not a hardcore dancehall act. Our music was a hybrid blend of genres that had never been heard or seen in Jamaica at the time. As Nyanda it was difficult to get people to know my name. They always think of me as the Brick lol
A-CHOICES:Before you became involved in music, did you ever consider leaving Jamaica?
NYANDA: Not really, only possibly for the opportunity to go to University abroad.
A-CHOICES:Did you grow up listening to Bob Marley?
NYANDA: Yes for sure Bob Marley was a staple in every Jamaican household. Plus you couldn’t escape hearing his music playing in the streets, at the beach and everywhere really. Such a Blessing!
A-CHOICES: What was it like growing up in Kingston Town?
NYANDA:I loved my upbringing. I grew up in a small townhouse with my mom and dad and three sisters. The community was close knit. We called all the adult neighbours aunty and uncle. Kingston is a vibrant colorful place. It’s like the New York city of Jamaica where many people aspire to go for better job opportunities. The scene looks like a music video. The people are original, stylish and mad vibezzz from the way we talk to walk to dance and interact with each other. The food is amazing and the music is always blasting. The definition of IRIE!
A-CHOICES:What prompted you to go solo?
NYANDA: It was time to chart my own path. Brick and Lace was arguing all the time and things became stressful and toxic. We’re sisters, We love each other, but it was definitely time for a break. People generally need space and time for self exploration, discovery and growth.
A-CHOICES:How is being a solo artist different to being in a band?
NYANDA: You get to move when you want. The buck stops with you. You get to express yourself without compromise. When you’re in a group you sometimes can become confined to play a particular role and utilise only one aspect of your talent for eg in Brick and Lace i’m expected to play the role of the rude girl and only Dj, when i actually enjoy singing as well, so now fans can see my range and versatility.
A-CHOICES:What was it like working with big industry names like Lauryn Hill, Will.I.Am and Akon?
NYANDA: Great learning experiences. I was definitely in awe of Lauryn Hill, her talent and professionalism. I had a greater appreciation for studio technique and different styles of harmonies. Akon showed you how you can have fun with your team and still win and his business savvy is unmatched.
A-CHOICES: How are you staying creative during the lockdown? Do you have any tips?
NYANDA: Listening to music from different genres and discovering new artists is a great way to stay inspired. For eg im loving listening to Amber Mark. Sometimes spending time exploring other hobbies is a good way to keep music fresh to me, so when I do go back in the studio my love for it is still intact. For eg. I’m learning to sew and get more adept in the art of hairstyling and makeup. ,
A-CHOICES: What can we expect from Nyanda in the near future?
NYANDA: I’m gonna keep making music and showing growth and versatility. I’d like to also do some acting and possibly even starting a fashion or cosmetics brand.
A-CHOICES:You’ve also written for the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Christina Aguilera- which is your first love, writing or performing?
NYANDA: Performing is definitely my first love.
A-CHOICES:What’s like working with Peter”Mr. P” Okoye on Wokie Wokie?
NYANDA: Omg! I told him he was like the Nigerian Keanu Reeves when it came to doing the music video. He’s such a kind positive person and very hardworking . I’m totally inspired by him. He really deserves all the success he has.
A-CHOICES:What are your favourite fashion brands at the moment?
NYANDA: So many great fashion brands out there but honestly, with coronavirus going on I’m really not too concerned with fashion at the moment.
A-CHOICES:Do you think about what your life will look like in 10 years?
NYANDA: I try to take it day by day. I hope to be happy and at peace with myself and living purposefully.
A-CHOICES:So my last question is what’s your point of view on the evolution of Jamaican music and the new generation of Jamaican artists?
NYANDA: I love to see all the new artists emerging out of Jamaica, especially the females. There are more opportunities for global impact especially through social media. I just hope we can organise and make it monetarily beneficial for the country as a whole and to advance the industry forward.
Thank you and God Bless. Xoxo
IG Nyandabnl FB Officialnyanda Chez General Manager Tropic Electric / Thoga Entertainment Inc. m:+1 (786) 459 – 0084 e:chez@tropicelectric.com w:www.tropicelectric.com