The Bradford-born musician is spearheading a revival of jungle music, with an emotional twist.
Her songs are rooted in her dual cultural identity, blending the distorted bass of Jamaican soundsystem culture with the dark instrospection of British indie. But most of all, she's known for reviving the sawtooth breakbeats and frenetic energy of jungle.
"I'd go there every Saturday and learn about black history, because we never really got taught about our ancestors and all that stuff in school," she says. "She transformed her pain into poetry, and I definitely take inspiration from that," says Nia, who sampled Angelou's most famous poem, Still I Rise, on her recent EP, Forbidden Feelingz.
What it did mean, however, is that she was fending for herself in some of Leeds' less salubrious neighbourhoods. But Manchester didn't prove to be any more enjoyable than Leeds. Nia got stuck in a toxic relationship and, with her school career incomplete, her prospects were limited.Then a friend told her about a course at London's Community Music school. There, she could get a degree in music production and business without the need for qualifications. All they required was evidence of experience and motivation.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sound Of 2023: Cat Burns went from busking to a platinum recordThe singer, whose single Go went platinum this year, takes fourth place in the BBC Sound Of 2023.
Read more »
Sound Of 2023: Cat Burns went from busking to a platinum recordFrom busking on the streets of London, to becoming a platinum-selling songwriter and supporting Ed Sheeran on his stadium tour.
Read more »
Georgia, TCU matchup set for 2023 national championship gameThe Georgia Bulldogs and TCU Horned Frogs will play in the 2023 National Championship in Los Angeles, Calif.
Read more »
World politics and power - the dates and trends that will help shape 2023 | Adam BoultonWe cannot foresee the epoch-defining shocks of the future but moving forward into the new year also involves reflecting on the hard lessons from the past.
Read more »
Lionesses, Emma Raducanu and the Premier League: Who and what to look out for in 2023What to expect in the world of sports in the New Year? Sky News sports editor Nick Powell looks at the key events and likely stars of 2023.
Read more »
Your guide to the best January Sales 2023We've found the biggest deals on baby products in the January sales at Mother&Baby to save you time AND money.
Read more »