Search - Nneka :: Concrete Jungle

Blown Away....Nneka is the REAL DEAL

Enlightened | Atlanta Georgia | 02/06/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nneka is a soul singer and part time rapper from Nigeria that has been releasing albums and EP's since 2005. I first came across Nneka late last year (November or December) when she released the mixtape Onye-Ala (The Madness). I was quite impressed by the entire mixtape; the style, her voice, the subject matter and lyrics and the guest appearances that were mixed in via DJ. I immediately used the great invention of the internet to find out more about this artist. Apparently she has been releasing albums since 2005 and is somewhat of a star across the ocean. Are we Americans always late on real artists?





Anyway, Nneka's US debut album Concrete Jungle is definitely a great album. While drawing comparisons to Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill from the critics, she cites Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Black Star (Mos Def & Talib Kweli) as well as Lauryn Hill as her main sources of inspiration. However it is clear right from the start that Nneka is her own artist and she is already polished and in her own lane. It's safe to say that you won't mistake Nneka for anyone else.





Her voice has a distinct sound and quality that perfectly displays soul and passion. She has a heightened political sense and consciousnes and her songs in general have meaning that will stick with you long after the cd is finished. However in the same vein as a Lauryn Hill or Erykah Badu the tone isn't preachy and the music itself is quite endearing and engaging. In my opinion the songs that separate themselves from the pack are The Uncomfortable Truth, Mind vs. Heart, Heartbeat, Suffri, Come With Me and Walking; however, the entire album is a good listen.





I highly recommend Nneka's Concrete Jungle as it is an early candidate for soul album of the year. That's quite an accomplishment, especially with a jam packed 1st quarter (with releases from Nneka, Corinne Bailey Rae, Sade, and Erykah Badu). Nneka will not disappoint soul fans, fans of Badu or Hill, or fans of good music. Highly recommended. 5 stars."

A lot of potential for this young artist

Margo Itule | 04/07/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Nneka is a very talented artist with lots of interesting ideas. If she manages to stay out of the commercial grind I predict she will be hugely wonderful."

Artistry is insane.

Kerry Turner | Cincy, OH | 03/14/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Just heard of Nneka while in the UK. Sweet. The creativity is refreshing. The musical arrangements will attract those electic ears. Its kind of like a mixture between MIA and Jill Scott....Rolling Stone magazine rated them 2010 breaking artist. I see why."