Diandra Interviews NEFE: A Musician The Show Love & Intelligence Equal Wisdom
In this world, even being “deep” or thoughtful has its feigned image. Some artists believe its onstage ranting, and some people believe it is being cold to others whom they deem do not “get it”. The point is that if we truly seek to empower spirituality and strengthen humanity, it comes by connecting with everyone through kindness. From calling out the media for making beauty a structure to house only a few rather than a blanket to cover everyone, NEFE’s debut EP Mama, is a five track display that wisdom is when intelligence meets love, and then offers itself to everyone for perseverance.
Diandra: You aim to empower people, especially their individualism, name one person and moment that empowered you as a musician ?
NEFE: I recently opened up for an awesome UK artist, she goes by the name of Kate Tempest. She speaks such honesty and truth. She is truly herself and talks about things that a lot of people don’t dare to speak of. That was the most recent moment. She really encouraged me to stay true to myself, and to continue to use my voice to speak honestly. I’d also say my Mama has always, always been there to pick me up, to remind me of who I am. And the great friends I have, who are also amazing artists and powerful individuals – they definitely empower me, every single day.
Diandra: What is it about Queen Nefertiti that you admired enough to gain inspiration for your name?
NEFE: I have always been fascinated with Egyptian culture – the pyramids, the scriptures, the gods, they are so intriguing. Nefertiti’s name means “the beautiful one has come”, she was a worshipper of the sun, a woman who stood for timeless beauty, not to mention a powerful female leader. I got a tattoo of her on my arm, when I went to the studio shortly after we were brainstorming stage name ideas… and without even seeing my tattoo, a dope songwriter named Aly Sou mentioned the name “Nefertiti”… it was totally a sign.
Diandra: You have mentioned that media can purvey an unrealistic standard of beauty and perfection. To you, which one of your EP’s songs calls out media, the most, for its distorted perceptions and why?
NEFE: I would say “We All Need Love” I think the title really says it all, no matter who we are, what we look like, the mistakes we’ve made, or the life we choose to live, at the end of the day… we ALL need love. “Tell me about the news, who’s right, who’s wrong?”, this line can be related to so many things in our society, definitely beauty too. In this culture I feel we’re shown the media’s idea of beauty.. and really what do they know.
Diandra: Name one moment when you realized your beauty, and how and why?
NEFE: I was always a really different kid, never could fit into a box. But I would say the moment I realized not only the beauty in myself, but also the real definition of beauty, was the day I stepped on stage. The media creates this idea that beauty is physical, but when I played on stage for the first time, as I shared my gift, I was overwhelmed with the idea that our beauty is not separate and that we are all one. To me, that’s beautiful.
NEFE – Minute (Audio)
Diandra: You sing Soul to help listeners combat and ease their worries. What is it about Soul that makes it such as therapeutic genre?
NEFE: I think it comes from a deeper place, a higher self, if you will. I really believe it speaks to the soul. Maybe that’s why they call it soul music!!
Diandra: Name one lyric of yours that you feel most uplifts young girls to love themselves, or, at least, most moves you when you sing it?
NEFE: I would say, the chorus in “Mama”, “This world ain’t gonna stop, so why should you?! Get up, get on with you.” I think it’s a real reminder (to myself especially) that you just have to keep moving, even if you’re moving in baby steps, just try to keep moving forward. Don’t worry about what others are doing, or how other people live their lives, just get up and get on with you. Don’t ever give up on yourself.
Isn’t she a sweetheart? This is what I mean about altruism and wisdom; it is about being gracious with your heart and mind even at the potential of others’ backlash and meanness. Like NEFE, I agree beauty is the bravery to let your inner light shine and use it to guide others in finding theirs. From the Egyptian Queen Nefertiti to good friend Kate Tempest, NEFE has surrounded herself with time, space, and music to remind her that creativity can make an image of beauty, but has no specific one as its personal own. For More Information On NEFE ant To Buy Mama On April 21 Click Here.
