In Progress

I’ve been looking for Nneka to hit the US off and on for a few years now, and finally got a chance to see her do her live show at Joe’s Pub in lower Manhattan. This is one show I won’t forget in a hurry.

This is what I wrote in KQED’s Mixtape back in April of 2008:

“Heartbeat” – No Longer At Ease, Nneka

It completely stumps me that Nneka did not find worldwide acclaim with her 2005 debut release Victim of Truth, but if first single “Heartbeat” is any indication, it sounds like her forthcoming release No Longer At Ease may just do the trick. The stuttering chorus, trip hop-influenced beats and driving bassline all serve Nneka’s insistent vocals, delivering a passionate plea for global compassion. Nneka’s unique brand of globalized neo soul is fed by her Nigerian roots and subsequent transplatation to Germany. If you stop by her MySpace page, don’t leave without listening to “Suffri,” another standout from the new album which was released on April 25, 2008.

Nneka’s gearing up to put out her third album, and I think my prediction is finally going to come true — the crowd was small but completely attentive and enthusiastic — except for the laggard few still munching on the obligatory $12 purchase to get seats (Joe’s Pub is weird), who Nneka acknowledged with a “bon appetit!” Every song had been reworked from the studio version with new beats, she played quite a few new ones (all outstanding, none retreads), and her onstage passion for her songs and her cause was electric. As for her pipes and musicality? Totally flawless live.

Turns out this was Nneka’s debut US gig tonight, and I’m so glad I got a chance to be there for it. She’s jamming with The Roots tomorrow and a week from tomorrow at the Highline Ballroom, and stopping in SF at Cafe du Nord Nov 11. Don’t miss it.

Posted on November 9th, 2009 by DeepthiW
Filed under: Global Culture, Music