Nigerian Singer and hip hop artist Nneka just released her first US album, “Concrete Jungle.” Musically this is really a sound kaleidoscope—sounds, words, and music beautifully morphing and blending. Whether it is more DJ based tracks such as “Showin’ Love,” the acoustic based “Come With Me,” or the full band glory of “Focus” Nneka’s sound is completely infectious.
Lyrically she takes on subjects such as war and those who speak of peace but still wage war. “U talk about peace / Put it in ur mouth / The same mouth u use to declare ur bombs.” She’s also not afraid of the spiritual on tunes such as “God of Mercy.” With her words and her music, Nneka proves that a powerful message is enhanced when heads are bobbing and the listener can’t help but groove.
There will certainly be comparisons to Lauren Hill. But I dislike comparisons because they too often compartmentalize an artist and dissuade listeners from hearing what is truly unique and powerful about the newer of the two artists. And to confine Nneka in such a way would be to overlook all that is so amazing about her music and “Concrete Jungle.”
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