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). She sat down with Wordplay Magazine to talk about the new EP.
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.
Speaking about the inspiration behind her UNBOXED EP, Nissi says, “Imagine being in a world where they keep telling you to fit into this small box, as if I can’t be more than what they expect. That’s why I felt it was time to get Unboxed. In this project, I’m blending sounds and styles. Every song is a stroke of different colours on a canvas, revealing new dimensions of my emotions. The lyrics I share are a roadmap for discovering my true self. Through my music, I’m raising my voice about embracing every fragment of who I am, and I’m saying to everyone listening to this EP, ‘You can do this too!’ It’s about finding your unique rhythm. It’s time for us to be ourselves, and that feels unbelievably empowering”.
ABOUT NISSI
London-based Nigerian talent Nissi is a force to be reckoned with in the world of music, art, and engineering. With a distinctive afrofusion sound, she masterfully combines her deep passion for music with her aptitude in engineering, product design, and visual art. This multifaceted artist and entrepreneur, who burst onto the scene with compelling tracks like ‘Criminal’ and ‘Pay Attention’, as well as her critically acclaimed debut EP IGNITE, has also marked her presence with massive collaborations alongside international sensations such as Stromae, BackRoad Gee, and Major League DJz.
Beyond her musical endeavors, Nissi’s expansive creativity knows no bounds. Her impressive collaborations notably extend to prominent brands such as Range Rover, Flannels, and Havana Club. A Mechanical Engineering graduate from the prestigious University of Warwick, Nissi’s intellectual pursuits have led her to speak at renowned platforms like the ‘Ideas Speakers’ festival, where she delved into the ‘Dynamic Creative Force’ that drives her forward. She’s not just about creating art; she aims for her work to resonate, inspire, and encourage individuals to be authentically themselves.
Nissi’s international acclaim, evident from her scene-stealing performances at prestigious festivals across the globe, and her millions of YouTube views, stands as a testament to her unique blend of artistry and ambition. Above all, she is a staunch and vocal advocate for women’s entrepreneurship and empowerment, embodying the belief that the narrative of the African woman’s limitations urgently needs a revolutionary shift and transformative. Nissi Ogulu is the embodiment of a modern-day renaissance woman, continually pushing boundaries and inspiring those around her.
‘UNBOXED’ EP TRACKLIST
1. Heavy
2. Higher
3. Overthinking
4. Nobody (featuring Fireboy DML)
5. Unwind
6. Thunder (featuring Teni)
7. Gloves
CONNECT WITH NISSI: Instagram – Twitter – Tiktok
MEDIA & PRESS: Please direct all inquiries to Ayo Adepoju: [email protected]
