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Nneka on Gidi Fest stage as a surprise act

By Daniel Anazia
15 April 2017   |   5:04 am
Hip hop/soul/reggae singer, Nneka Egbuna will today, thrills music lovers and attendees of the music and art festival, Gidi Culture Festival.The Uncomfortable Truth crooner will join Sauti Sol, Simi and Burna Boy amongst other African.....

Nneka Egbuna

Hip hop/soul/reggae singer, Nneka Egbuna will today, thrills music lovers and attendees of the music and art festival, Gidi Culture Festival.The Uncomfortable Truth crooner will join Sauti Sol, Simi and Burna Boy amongst other African acclaimed artistes as a surprise act to hit the stage at this year’s edition of the festival.

The Nigerian-German born singer cum actress has played a significant role in achieving International recognition for the Nigerian Music Industry. Over the years she has had an outstanding career both locally and internationally, having five albums, two EPs, two compilations, 11 singles and one soundtrack under her belt. 

She has performed on various tours alongside A-list recording artistes including Nigerian-US born Nas, Damian Marley, Kelly Clarkson, Erykah Badu, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna.

As part of her long list of accomplishments, Nneka also lays claim to recording a song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa titled ‘Viva Africa’ as a tribute to the premier on African soil.

Nneka’s lyrics reflect much of her history and life in Nigeria as well as her time spent in Western Europe. Her songs stress the issues of capitalism, poverty and war and are often loaded with moral and biblical messages and references.

Since 2003, she has been working closely with the hip-hop beatmaker, DJ Farhot, a producer living in hamburg, Germany. As a young singer she gained public attention in 2004 while performing as an opening act for dancehall reggae star, Sean Paul at Hamburg Stadtpark.

After much acclaim, she was given a green light to record her first album. Her hit single Heartbeat has been remixed and sampled several times – most notably by Chase & Status and Rita Ora.

After releasing her debut EP, The Uncomfortable Truth with the music label Yo Mama’s Recording Company, she performed on her first tour witt Patrice Bart Williams in April 2005, playing shows in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

She finished recording her first album, Victim of Truth in the autumn of 2005, which was released not only in Germany, where she is based, but also in England, Netherlands, Nigeria and Japan.

Garnering rave reviews from the media, the UK’s Sunday Times described the album, as ‘the most criminally overlooked album’, comparing it favourably to the The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

Following the release of the album, Nneka enjoyed a sustained and successful period of touring, performing at festivals such as Chiemsee Reggae Summer, Haarlem (Beyrijdingspop), Den Haag (Park Pop) and Saint-Brieuc 9Art Rock Festival), as as well as in respected venues like La Maroquinerie and New Morning in paris, Trivoli in Utrecht, Paradiso in Armsterdam and Cargo and ULU in London.

Known for showcasing an array of diverse talent, and an undiluted celebration of African culture, the Gidi Culture Festival has carefully curated a stage that is bound to entertain and ensure everybody discovers something new.

The festival, which takes place in Lagos, was created in response to a demand from the local youth culture for live, affordable, and accessible entertainment in Africa. It provides a venue for live bands, Disc Jockeys (DJs), and musical acts to perform.

The goal of the festival, the organisers said, is to encourage the development of African talent and promote artistes both within the continent and into overseas markets. It also features outdoor activities, local vendors, and artisans.

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