When it comes to the ever-expanding R&B sphere, look no further than singer-songwriter Nezsa, whose newest EP, Soul Searching, out via emPawa Africa, finds the through line between R&B, alt-rock, and neo-soul.
The Toronto-based, Nigeria-born artist was exposed to music early on by her mother, who is also a singer and the primary inspiration for why she makes music. In addition to her 2022 single “Trouble,” which appears on the EP and is her most popular song to date, Nezsa made appearances on Apple Music’s Up Next, COLORS, and BBC Radio 1Xtra.
“Living life, experiencing things, this is a reflection of who I am as an artist, a piece of my soul laid bare for you to hear,” said Nezsa. “This EP marks a turning point. The start of a season where I accept the path I’ve chosen, although fraught with challenges and obstacles. But it’s in embracing those challenges, and in refusing to let go of the one thing that makes sense to me, that I find the strength to keep moving forward.”
With Soul Searching, Nezsa does more than bare her soul, having written and composed six tracks that soundtrack the ups and downs of her life with staggering songwriting.
The aptly titled “Pressure” finds Nezsa navigating great expectations while surrounded by relaxed production alternating live instrumentation and a subtly booming bass. Similarly, “Trouble” keeps matters calm and collected while staying ten toes down when things go from bad to worse. In both songs, Nezsa learns to embrace pressure and trouble in her own way, not getting caught up in any background noise as the instrumentals backing her up uplift the already impassioned vocals.
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“Technicolor Bliss” stands out in the tracklist for the hi-hats and slightly sunny disposition, a considerable difference from the EP’s nighttime atmosphere. Overall, Nezsa allows herself to get caught up in a fantasy akin to puppy love, a welcomed switch-up amid the EP’s discussions of trials and tribulations. However, the quality of the music is still at the forefront, which is evident throughout Nezsa’s still-growing catalog.
“Every note played, every lyric sung, is a testament to the unwavering determination to chase my dreams, no matter how daunting the journey may appear,” said Nezsa. “For in the pursuit of music, I discover not only my truest self but also the boundless possibilities that lie beyond the horizon of doubt.”
Words: David Sosa
Soul Searching by Nezsa is out now on all streaming services. For more on new music and potential shows, follow her on Instagram and TikTok.
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