Njerae Talks About Her New EP “Four Letter Word” And Much More On “Africa Now Radio”

Kenyan celebrity Njerae appeared on Apple Music’s Africa flagship program, “Africa Now,” alongside South African media personality Nandi Madida. After her four-track EP, “Four Letter Word,” debuted at number two on the Apple Music Kenya Top 100 Album Charts on Valentine’s Day, Njerae has been feeling very good. Njerae’s successful release was aided by the fact that every song from the record appeared in the Top 100 Apple Music Kenya singles charts.

Njerae discussed her musical journey with Nandi, including her time at the renowned Sauti Academy, her tutoring by Bien, the success of her single “Aki Sioni,” and her planned events, which include an unprecedented tour.

Interview with a Cover Star

Through FaceTime on Apple Music 1, Kenyan Afro-pop artist Njerae spoke with Nandi Madida about her most recent track, “Decide.” In addition, she talks about her EP, “Four Letter Word,” her greatest inspirations, the lessons she learned at Sauti Sol’s Sauti Academy, and how psychology affects her work.

Njerae Discusses Her Greatest Influences with Apple Music

R&B music largely inspired me as a child. While Sauti Sol was emerging, I used to listen to a lot of Tori Kelly. They also had a significant impact on my early trip. I was primarily interested in singer-songwriters and alternative/indie music. However, I was aware that I needed to discover my Kenyanness just because I am Kenyan. Additionally, I believe that no one was performing that type of blend at the time. It was either rhumba-style music, gengetone, or those old-fashioned forms of music. Nobody was kind of cutting in between them. I therefore made an effort to only choose works by the nation’s artists, which is now Sauti Sol. Then, because I’m a woman, I also wanted to meet other women that share my values and that I can look up to. R&B is probably the biggest impact on my music, but as I develop, I’m attempting to explore all the different genres to see how Njerae can fit into them.

Njerae Discusses Bien, Her Ideal Collaborator, With Apple Music

For many Kenyans, Bien is, in my opinion, a tremendous source of inspiration and power. It’s wonderful to live in a period when we can also interact with him in some way because he’s doing something that most of us believed was impossible. The distinction between those who are succeeding and those who are attempting to succeed does not exist. Because we may engage in these exchanges and other activities, it somewhat eases the journey. He’s also a fantastic man. I’ve had a few encounters with him, and I really hope the music will be released soon.

Njerae Discusses Her Benefits From Attending the Sauti Academy With Apple Music

At the time of my high school graduation, the only music education available in Kenya was university-style music, where professional skills are taught. Then, however, I discovered Sauti Academy. Since I knew I wanted to perform music in Kenya and needed to understand how it is done there, I didn’t care that the most of the individuals I knew were attending Berkeley. So for me, Sauti Academy was it, and I believe that’s where my career was shaped. It assisted me in defining my desires, establishing clear objectives, and other things. You may declare your desire to pursue a career in singing, but what precisely are you hoping to accomplish in the end? Additionally, Sauti Academy had a significant influence on how I wrote songs, communicated in networking situations, and carried myself. So, yes, I believe that what I did was fantastic.

According to Njerae, Apple Music How Her Art Is Affected by Her Psychology Studies

I started creating songs primarily as a way to deal with my strong emotions because I am a pretty introverted person. I thought, “Oh my gosh, this thing can actually work for other people who are feeling the same,” since it did for me. I therefore tried to learn about music therapy by studying psychology. However, I eventually fell in love with people and human interaction, and psychology played a part in that. Since I believe that music therapy can benefit many individuals, I suppose I still have the intention and aspiration to pursue it in the future. We’re making modest progress.

Njerae Explains to Apple Music How She Handles “Aki Sioni,” Her Surprising Success

I must anticipate growing. There is nothing I am doing if there is nothing. Therefore, I believe that surprises like that help me become ready for larger stages. And since we learned how to perform little things like elevator pitches—always simply being prepared—I suppose I may return to Sauti Academy. I therefore thought, “Well, it’s about time,” even as “Aki Sioni” was starting to gain popularity. I have been awaiting. Yes, I am incredibly thankful. It’s incredible that, three years after its debut, it’s finally becoming a reality. I’m happy about that. I’m happy that so many people can relate to it. When I think back to the moment I released it, I wasn’t even focusing on anything.

Njerae Explains Her Love of Taking Chances to Apple Music

Generally speaking, I dislike being in a cozy environment. I enjoy pushing myself because I believe that development requires change. Thus, everything I do, including [her 2024 EP] “Out With The Old,” stems from a place where I’ve always been scared to write and work with other musicians. “Out With The Old” was intended to be a fully collaborative endeavor that would simply help me overcome my phobia. Therefore, for me, it’s always a matter of attempting to determine how the music can assist me in overcoming my minor anxieties.

Njerae Discusses Upcoming Tours With Apple Music

In Nairobi, I have a ton of shows. Therefore, if you’re looking for me, please join my social media accounts. Additionally, you won’t regret seeing me perform live. Hopefully, it will also visit South Africa since I intend to vacation outside of the nation shortly.