Biography
With a multitude of vocalists and musicians vying for public expansion and acknowledgement of their art, having a distinct difference to others has become even more vital in the pursuit for a wider musical community. But there are others that emerge beaming with distinct qualities, an understanding of their art and destined to make that mark. Nyarai very clearly fits this description. Her debut E.P ‘I’m Here’, is an enticing and emotional body of work that hails the arrival of this multi-faceted talent; and provides an initial window to her world.
Born to Jamaican & Mauritian parentage, ‘Nyarai’ (meaning Be Humble) taught vocal training for young people as a way of self-awareness and development, but didn’t fully enter the vocal world until years later. She states, ‘…the work with them (young people) really helped to focus my abilities and keep me intent on pursuing a personal goal’. A few years after working with young people, Nyarai joined a musical trio (Yu’niq), working closely with a close friend and her sister (also an avid vocalist) and embarked on a musical journey which spanned approx. 2-3 years. However, as outlined here, Nyarai is a multi-talented artist and had other assets she wished to pursue. As well as her vocal ability, Nyarai also has a performing arts background in dance and dance choreography; and was active in being part of the highly successful Vybe Dance Company in the mid 90’s as well as an active model being involved in showcases such as Afro Hair & Beauty and other state shows. She explains, ‘…We used to just merge art-forms together and just create art. I didn’t really separate them as they always seemed to simply go together. If we’re doing a show, singing, dancing and modelling were all part of it’.
Nyarai re-entered the performance arena after raising 2 children and being slightly dis-allusioned with the industry and contributed to singing hooks and short verses on spoken word artist (& husband) AmeN NoiR’s multiple projects and other features. The desire to create her own platform and put her stamp on things became the vision and further stage performances, solely focusing on singing, were sought out and executed. B.V support for more established artists such as FLOetic Lara paved the way for a return to the vocal industry. ‘…I just knew that I wanted to return to this art and form a clear path for myself. It just felt right! I had a lot of nerves and had to re-gain my performance confidence, but I just knew this is what I have to pursue’.
Those who heard her contributions on various artist projects immediately asked when she would be coming with her own collection of work. The production and musical experience of AmeN NoiR created a platform for Nyarai to begin penning ‘I’m Here’ and returning to the stage with multiple live acoustic performances and the creation of 2 videos. ‘4 Mumma’ & ‘Patiently Waiting’ videos also opened the door for requests for Nyarai to return to the fashion and modelling world, with requests from various on-line magazines, fashion lines and hair & beauty organisations for Nyarai to represent.
The expansion of writing also increased with the joint venture with AmeN NoiR on the ‘Spokenology’ mixtape where Nyarai wrote for 80% of the collection and moved closer to taking the lead in creating her own product. ‘Spokenology’ is a collection of Soul, Jazz, Hip-Hop, R’n’B, & Reggae and the unique and creative blend of AmeN’s spoken word and Nyarai’s sensual vocals. This project was intended to be a free download and succeeded in opening the doors for a wider audience to experience Nyarai’s talent and craft.
Now becoming more entrenched in song writing and also picking up the guitar as her latest attribute, Nyarai along with fellow artists FLOetic Lara & Indigo created the phenomenal Sista Soul Showcase, presenting a selection of their favourite songs and artists, as well as presented some of their own writings and songs. With a live band and a packed house, the women presented a breath-taking night of art with songs such as the timeless and airy ‘4 women’ by Nina Simone and modern landmark tracks such as ‘Hold On’ by En Vogue.
Taking her influences, like Nina Simone, Chaka Khan, Lalah Hathaway, Ledisi, Erykah Badu & Lauryn Hill and using them to shape her own style, Nyarai explains, ‘…these artists have been a part of my growing-life. They all represent something about me. From the imagery and presentation of Erykah, to the vocal range and use of the lower frequencies of Lalah’ I embrace them all but try to ensure that Nyarai is also heard'.
The appreciation of great artists such as those mentioned, but with the desire to be heard for what she actually represents, has been the fuel for how ‘I’m Here’ has be constructed. With Jazz, Neo Soul, Hip-Hop & Reggae being the driving genres for the debut E.P, Nyarai smoothly transcends from one genre to the next with consummate ease and presents an array of self-discovery issues that you can so easily relate to. ‘…It’s funny because I initially wanted to speak about my own journey, but after reasoning with friends and people around me, I found that many of the points raised were so common and familiar. That development of self and I guess self-awareness is such a powerful and familiar thing for anyone of any age. The acknowledgement of those learning blocks can help others; and that’s what I wanted to focus on for this debut work’.
‘I’m Here’ represents the combination of Nyarai & AmeN NoiR working in tandem to create a body of work that provides an intro into the world of Nyarai. With both acoustic and full production by AmeN and supporting musicians, ‘I’m Here’ is littered with both complex, deeper thinking as well as honest, surface viewpoints which speak to the genuine intent of Nyarai and her creation. Gauging a balance between the two has been the challenge for the duo to effectively produce this project. ‘…I like song-writers that make me think. Writers that when you break down their words reveal so much more. But at the same time I love when things can be said in such a direct and honest way that you just say….Yes! I get that. That’s what we wanted for this E.P’.
With tracks like ‘It’s Alright’, Nyarai writes on having belief in yourself, having the awareness that you can control your thoughts and more importantly, knowing that’s alright to be all you can be. The musical structure of this track and 70% of the E.P is around the acoustic guitar. The mellow melodies that permeate through this track really draws the listener into the message that’s being conveyed. Uniquely, the sentiment of ‘It’s Alright’ is captured in the freedom of the accompanying electric guitars that bounce in and out of the piece, almost giving permission for the guitarist to express freely and ultimately…it’s Alright! ‘…I wanted to represent the affirmation of not being afraid of shining your light and having the belief that your thoughts become your actions, so think bright’.
‘Me’ another track on the E.P, also speaks on that self-discovery, the moments of clarity in acknowledging growth. This more up-tempo track delivers a beautiful blend of musicianship and vocal arrangement. The Soul & Hip-Hop vibe lives all in this one, but Nyarai brings a delightful vocal performance that really sits you back in the sentiment and feel of what she vocally is telling us. ‘…I love this one. It was one of the earlier ones written and spoke of plain old simple “wake up man!” wow! In that mirror is me, where have I been? You know?’
Although being a relatively new artist, Nyarai feels her stage and performing arts experience enables her to have a head-start on other new-comers. However, she very humbly reminds herself, ‘…I’m Here’ is exactly that. I’m here! Where I’m going? What needs to improve further? And the next journey is all ahead of me. I have still so much to learn and develop, but acknowledgement of the journey so far is rewarding in itself. I welcome the next chapter and feel happy with the rate at which I’m growing, but there’s so much to learn’.
Nyarai is currently performing live, honing her acoustic sets and writing with a band. ‘…It’s really moving now’ she says. ‘…It’s a real learning experience, but we all love taking it on the road. I’m excited with the possibilities’. Nyarai is confidently doing what she wants to do. Her positive and reflective message is reaching a wider audience and she herself is enjoying the journey of self-discovery and growth. ‘I’m Here’ is very much a statement as well as the title of this debut E.P. It is an example of where she’s been, where she’s at and where she’s clearly going. It is sure to win her new fans, and reward the positive stance and depth of her writing.
Born to Jamaican & Mauritian parentage, ‘Nyarai’ (meaning Be Humble) taught vocal training for young people as a way of self-awareness and development, but didn’t fully enter the vocal world until years later. She states, ‘…the work with them (young people) really helped to focus my abilities and keep me intent on pursuing a personal goal’. A few years after working with young people, Nyarai joined a musical trio (Yu’niq), working closely with a close friend and her sister (also an avid vocalist) and embarked on a musical journey which spanned approx. 2-3 years. However, as outlined here, Nyarai is a multi-talented artist and had other assets she wished to pursue. As well as her vocal ability, Nyarai also has a performing arts background in dance and dance choreography; and was active in being part of the highly successful Vybe Dance Company in the mid 90’s as well as an active model being involved in showcases such as Afro Hair & Beauty and other state shows. She explains, ‘…We used to just merge art-forms together and just create art. I didn’t really separate them as they always seemed to simply go together. If we’re doing a show, singing, dancing and modelling were all part of it’.
Nyarai re-entered the performance arena after raising 2 children and being slightly dis-allusioned with the industry and contributed to singing hooks and short verses on spoken word artist (& husband) AmeN NoiR’s multiple projects and other features. The desire to create her own platform and put her stamp on things became the vision and further stage performances, solely focusing on singing, were sought out and executed. B.V support for more established artists such as FLOetic Lara paved the way for a return to the vocal industry. ‘…I just knew that I wanted to return to this art and form a clear path for myself. It just felt right! I had a lot of nerves and had to re-gain my performance confidence, but I just knew this is what I have to pursue’.
Those who heard her contributions on various artist projects immediately asked when she would be coming with her own collection of work. The production and musical experience of AmeN NoiR created a platform for Nyarai to begin penning ‘I’m Here’ and returning to the stage with multiple live acoustic performances and the creation of 2 videos. ‘4 Mumma’ & ‘Patiently Waiting’ videos also opened the door for requests for Nyarai to return to the fashion and modelling world, with requests from various on-line magazines, fashion lines and hair & beauty organisations for Nyarai to represent.
The expansion of writing also increased with the joint venture with AmeN NoiR on the ‘Spokenology’ mixtape where Nyarai wrote for 80% of the collection and moved closer to taking the lead in creating her own product. ‘Spokenology’ is a collection of Soul, Jazz, Hip-Hop, R’n’B, & Reggae and the unique and creative blend of AmeN’s spoken word and Nyarai’s sensual vocals. This project was intended to be a free download and succeeded in opening the doors for a wider audience to experience Nyarai’s talent and craft.
Now becoming more entrenched in song writing and also picking up the guitar as her latest attribute, Nyarai along with fellow artists FLOetic Lara & Indigo created the phenomenal Sista Soul Showcase, presenting a selection of their favourite songs and artists, as well as presented some of their own writings and songs. With a live band and a packed house, the women presented a breath-taking night of art with songs such as the timeless and airy ‘4 women’ by Nina Simone and modern landmark tracks such as ‘Hold On’ by En Vogue.
Taking her influences, like Nina Simone, Chaka Khan, Lalah Hathaway, Ledisi, Erykah Badu & Lauryn Hill and using them to shape her own style, Nyarai explains, ‘…these artists have been a part of my growing-life. They all represent something about me. From the imagery and presentation of Erykah, to the vocal range and use of the lower frequencies of Lalah’ I embrace them all but try to ensure that Nyarai is also heard'.
The appreciation of great artists such as those mentioned, but with the desire to be heard for what she actually represents, has been the fuel for how ‘I’m Here’ has be constructed. With Jazz, Neo Soul, Hip-Hop & Reggae being the driving genres for the debut E.P, Nyarai smoothly transcends from one genre to the next with consummate ease and presents an array of self-discovery issues that you can so easily relate to. ‘…It’s funny because I initially wanted to speak about my own journey, but after reasoning with friends and people around me, I found that many of the points raised were so common and familiar. That development of self and I guess self-awareness is such a powerful and familiar thing for anyone of any age. The acknowledgement of those learning blocks can help others; and that’s what I wanted to focus on for this debut work’.
‘I’m Here’ represents the combination of Nyarai & AmeN NoiR working in tandem to create a body of work that provides an intro into the world of Nyarai. With both acoustic and full production by AmeN and supporting musicians, ‘I’m Here’ is littered with both complex, deeper thinking as well as honest, surface viewpoints which speak to the genuine intent of Nyarai and her creation. Gauging a balance between the two has been the challenge for the duo to effectively produce this project. ‘…I like song-writers that make me think. Writers that when you break down their words reveal so much more. But at the same time I love when things can be said in such a direct and honest way that you just say….Yes! I get that. That’s what we wanted for this E.P’.
With tracks like ‘It’s Alright’, Nyarai writes on having belief in yourself, having the awareness that you can control your thoughts and more importantly, knowing that’s alright to be all you can be. The musical structure of this track and 70% of the E.P is around the acoustic guitar. The mellow melodies that permeate through this track really draws the listener into the message that’s being conveyed. Uniquely, the sentiment of ‘It’s Alright’ is captured in the freedom of the accompanying electric guitars that bounce in and out of the piece, almost giving permission for the guitarist to express freely and ultimately…it’s Alright! ‘…I wanted to represent the affirmation of not being afraid of shining your light and having the belief that your thoughts become your actions, so think bright’.
‘Me’ another track on the E.P, also speaks on that self-discovery, the moments of clarity in acknowledging growth. This more up-tempo track delivers a beautiful blend of musicianship and vocal arrangement. The Soul & Hip-Hop vibe lives all in this one, but Nyarai brings a delightful vocal performance that really sits you back in the sentiment and feel of what she vocally is telling us. ‘…I love this one. It was one of the earlier ones written and spoke of plain old simple “wake up man!” wow! In that mirror is me, where have I been? You know?’
Although being a relatively new artist, Nyarai feels her stage and performing arts experience enables her to have a head-start on other new-comers. However, she very humbly reminds herself, ‘…I’m Here’ is exactly that. I’m here! Where I’m going? What needs to improve further? And the next journey is all ahead of me. I have still so much to learn and develop, but acknowledgement of the journey so far is rewarding in itself. I welcome the next chapter and feel happy with the rate at which I’m growing, but there’s so much to learn’.
Nyarai is currently performing live, honing her acoustic sets and writing with a band. ‘…It’s really moving now’ she says. ‘…It’s a real learning experience, but we all love taking it on the road. I’m excited with the possibilities’. Nyarai is confidently doing what she wants to do. Her positive and reflective message is reaching a wider audience and she herself is enjoying the journey of self-discovery and growth. ‘I’m Here’ is very much a statement as well as the title of this debut E.P. It is an example of where she’s been, where she’s at and where she’s clearly going. It is sure to win her new fans, and reward the positive stance and depth of her writing.
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