Nissi - UNBOXED (EP) + 10 Questions

Fresh from a glorious summer tour that delivered scene-stealing performances at The London Stadium, New York's Citifield Stadium, and GelreDome Stadium in the Netherlands, as well as Norway's BergenFest and the AfroNation festivals in Detroit and Portugal, fast-rising London based Nigerian musician and creative NISSI is excited to unveil her long awaited and highly anticipated sophomore EP titled UNBOXED. Arriving on October 6 via Spaceship Records and EMPIRE, the 7-track opus is written and composed by Nissi, with production coming from her longtime collaborator Kiyagi, and the likes of TSB (J Hus, FLO), Killertunes (Wizkid, J Balvin), Jay Weathers (Stormzy, Rudimental), and Telz (Burna Boy, Fireboy DML).

UNBOXED is more than just a title for Nissi – it’s a manifesto. This potent collection by Nissi challenges conventions, inviting listeners on a journey of liberation from societal constraints. Blending a rich mosaic of musical styles, each track reveals a distinct emotion, reflecting the multifaceted nature of her personality. Nissi's artistry, evident throughout the project, champions the ideals of self-discovery and acceptance. The underlying message is clear: it's an urging from Nissi for listeners to confront societal norms and to fully embrace and celebrate their unique identities. Throughout her new Unboxed project, Nissi encapsulates the power and beauty of living authentically.

Thematically rich and deeply resonant, Nissi's UNBOXED EP emerges as a musical tapestry, meticulously weaving together a diverse range of emotions and transformative experiences. The heartfelt opening track ‘Heavy’ stands as a poignant ode to the irreplaceable bonds of friendship, evoking treasured memories of shared moments and the enduring value of unwavering companionship. In contrast, ‘Higher’ pulsates with an energetic spirit of hope and unyielding determination. Through Nissi's soulful vocals and impassioned delivery, she emphasizes the power of self-belief, imploring listeners to bask in the exhilarating highs of life while bravely confronting its inevitable challenges.

‘Overthinking’ provides a sanctuary for those engulfed by their own cascading thoughts, while ‘Unwind’ feels like a gentle whisper in the ear, reminding everyone of the importance of balance and relaxation, and ‘Nobody’ featuring Fireboy DML, beautifully explores the unyielding nature of love and the constancy of loyalty. The Teni-assisted ‘Thunder’ roars with an audacious message of empowerment, as Nissi challenges societal norms and urges unrestrained self-expression, while EP closer ‘Gloves’ captures the beauty of a rare connection amidst personal imperfections. Each track on UNBOXED captures a facet of Nissi's journey, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into her world of reflection, love, and resilience.

Nissi sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

My love for music started from a young age, I grew up around music, seeing the process of music being composed from beginning to end from a young age really sparked my love for music and how it is created.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

I would say the likes of Alicia keys, Nina Simone, Brenda Fassie, Jay Z, Frank Ocean, H.E.R, Jazmine Sullivan, Yonce and many more have been influences for me. There are so many brilliant artists that I want to work with.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

My EP 'UNBOXED' just dropped! I’m so excited about it and it’s out on all major platforms now, Spotify, Tidal and Apple so definitely stream it. I have a super exciting project coming up with my own car company and working on lots more content and music. Focusing on pushing this EP project mainly. It’s really dear to me.

4. How would you describe your sound?

My sound is very soulful, it’s music I make to connect through the sonics and the messaging regardless of what genre it is.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

My EP 'UNBOXED', it’s literally me telling the story about all the different facets of me. I spent a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this and I’ve been very intentional about my fans really seeing me fully.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Find your niche, find your sound and find your people. Be the best of yourself in your craft and everything else will follow.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

Snoh Allegra has always been a fave.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Heavy rotation albums right would probably be 'Lost A friend', 'I Told Them' and 'The Reprise - EP'.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

Painting, fashion, going on adventures, watching movies, product design, but music is a heavy portion of my life ultimately, if I’m not making it, I’m probably listening to it.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Popcorn, champagne and vibes!!!