Five of the best: Nissi

And so, despite the dance frenzy that is West Africa’s music scene, the singer, mononymously known as Nissi, has sauntered in with a rich and growing repertoire that is racking up millions of views and streams, and amassing a devoted following with every release. 

The Port Harcourt-born songwriter and multi-instrumentalist’s delivery is daring and dashing, and accentuated by liberated and soulful harmonies. And she knows this. “As soon as I step in the building, you know it’s about time to ignite your life,” she sings on the title track of her 2020 EP Ignite, which also finds her experimenting with highlife and Afro-punk. 

Self-assured and clearly in no rush, Nissi will not be cajoled into jumping on the bandwagon. She is not afraid of drum-led beats, yet she navigates them with distinctive vocal poise and infectious verve. Especially with Afropop’s current sound, this is highly respectable. 

And yes, if her surname does ring a bell, it is because she shares it with Grammy-winning brother and Spaceship Collective mate Burna Boy (real name Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu), and mother Bose Ogulu, the internationally renowned music executive who runs the hitmaking collective. 

Music In Africa brings you a playlist of five essential Nissi tracks.

5. Ignite

4. Move X2

3. Tornado

2. Judi

1. Pay Attention