Nigerian-German singer Nneka Egbuna has already released three albums overseas, but she's only recently made her debut in the U.S. market, with her politically charged album 'Concrete Jungle.' In a revealing interview with the San Francisco Examiner's Tom Lanham, Nneka delves deeper into her Nigerian roots, and how her unique political consciousness has shaped her music. Nneka, who doesn't use her surname on stage, originally hails from the Igbo Nigerian tribe, a minority group that has been struggling for independence--or at least greater governmental representation in a country dominated by the Fulani and Yoruba tribes. As Nneka explains, her people's own political and economic struggles have had more than a strong influence on her work, as evidenced in her single 'Kangpe,' a song which attacks corruption of the kind that is so rampant in Nigeria and throughout the developing world.
Nneka was raised in the town of Wari, educated in Hamburg, and currently maintains homes in both cities. It's clear from her interview, though, that her distinct blend of reggae, R&B and hip-hop sounds spring primarily from her Nigerian heritage, and her fierce determination to express political and social messages through her music. The rest of the world may have already heard what Nneka has to say. Let's hope Americans decide to tune in, as well.
