One Love Festival set to host activist-musician Nneka

The Efes Pilsen One Love Festival, celebrating its 10th year in 2011, is an event where music and entertainment become intertwined for two full days. Hosting many prominent acts from different countries, the festival -- organized by Pozitif -- will address music lovers of a wide range of musical styles from rock to hip-hop and soul, including Suede, Cake, Happy Mondays and Manic Street Preachers, in addition to special music parties.

One of the most interesting musicians participating in the festival is Nneka, who will take to the stage on the first day of the festival, which runs July 2-3 at Santralİstanbul.

The daughter of a Nigerian father and a German mother, Nneka was born in Nigeria and experienced singing in the church choir for the first time at an early age. After moving to Hamburg, Germany, at the age of 18, Nneka pursued a career in singing in addition to her education in anthropology. “I am Nigerian, born and raised,” says Nneka in an interview with Today's Zaman. “My biological mother is from Germany. I lived in Nigeria almost all my life and moved to Germany for awhile, where I got to know the mentality and culture of a different people.”

This multicultural background definitely has a direct influence on her music. “Sure, movement inspires,” she says. “And also seeing Africa from the outside inspired me as well. There were many things which I began to understand and some other things that I just didn't know previously. I learned a lot from different cultures and societies and this influences my style and music.”

Nneka had no plans for a musical career while singing in the church choir. As she continued her education in anthropology, her perspective on the world, humanity and music became even broader. “Well, culture, diversity, language, education, listening to other people, working all day and studying at night, having two jobs for a living and financing my education… all these inspired me and my point of view, besides making me more grounded.”

Social issues

For Nneka, the moment she defines as a turning point in her musical career is her very first record, “Victim of Truth” (2005). “Releasing the first record and touring with bigger artists were very significant for me,” she says. “And definitely the ‘Distant Relatives' album [2010] tour with Nas and Damian Marley was unforgettable for me,” says Nneka. The project, which Nneka contributed to, was a comprehensive project by Nas and Marley, most of the proceeds of which were to go to certain projects in Africa, like building schools. In this respect, it is not surprising to see Nneka -- who is known for referring to social problems and issues in her own songs -- in such a project. “It was amazing, strong and enlightening,” she says.

“Most of the time, it's my personal experience, life and all the things it brings: pain, pleasure and melancholy, corruption and the injustice all around the world,” says Nneka, as she summarizes her perspective on life and on music. “As you know, we as human beings struggle to be the strongest, the fittest, so we go ahead no matter what it takes to gain. We kill, we steal, we fight, we conquer. … I mean, existence is both pain and happiness, but I do not believe that there is no other way we can keep the balance. There must be. … We have a heart and we have our consciences.”

Furthermore, for Nneka, on the international plane, African music can contribute much in terms of perceptions about Africa and African peoples. “It can definitely change the perception of Westerners about Africa. It's not all gray and negative,” she says.

Nneka's social concerns and studies are not confined to music. She also shows up at non-profit organizations as well. “I have a foundation called ROPE (Reach Out, Organize, Practice, Experience),” says Nneka. “We use music and the arts as tools to help children and young adults express themselves about certain topics, social and political topics that have to do with their daily lives. We hold workshops and try to educate the kids with the knowledge we have,” notes Nneka. “For further information, you can check the website www.grab-the-rope.com,” she adds.

Finally, Nneka feels quite excited about her performance in İstanbul. “I feel great about coming to İstanbul for the concert,” she says. “I have never been there before. I hope and wish to give myself and my music from the depth of my heart.”