Inside Success had the pleasure of sitting down with Senegalese Artist Nix, for an insightful, conservation about his come up. From venturing in films, and flying all across the world working with fashion powerhouse such as Chanel, Nix’s story is a testimony of where hard work and resilience gets you.
Q: So to start off the interview, Nix would you like to introduce yourself and tell our readers a little bit about yourself?
Nix: Well I would like to start off by saying thank you for having me, it really is such an honour. My name is Nix. I am a rapper, artist, and entrepreneur from Senegal. My career actually started over 20 years ago, when I released my first album in 2003. And after that, I just never stopped. Now I am fortunate enough to travel across the globe in order to reach a bigger audience and expand on my career in fashion and filmmaking.
Q: So Nix I know you were born and raised in Senegal. Do you still live there?
Nix: Yes I do. As a matter of fact I own a company there called La Villa Teresa. A creative house that offers space and amenities for young people. That is utilizing the creatives I have around me, in order to give young people opportunities, and allow them gain insight. Some of the amenities included are access to recording studios, record labels and video editing suites.
Furthermore, these young people are privileged to work with directors, producers, photographers, sound engineers and beat makers. This is all done so that the knowledge can be shared with the next generation.
Q: Talk to us a little bit about your upbringing, how did that shape you into the artist you are today?
Nix: Well, I’ve always been creative. As a kid I loved drawing. So much so I thought I would become an architect or visual artist. However, there was something about hip-hop and music that captivated me. It was just too strong to ignore. So from the age of 12, alongside my friends, I started rapping. I was so drawn to it, by 15 I knew it wasn’t just a game for me. It was my path.
Additionally, seeing other Senegalese artists motivated me immensely. For example, Positive Black soul, a hip hop group, getting signed to Island Records in London shows that it’s possible to dream big. Once I dropped my debut album, soon after I would find myself touring across Africa. Despite the fact it wasn’t easy, I had resilience and kept on going.
Q: So Nix you’ve always been creative at heart, being an artist before making that transition to music. So what was that initial spark that drew you to music?
Nix: Good question! Honestly the hip-hop movement just fascinated me. I grew up inspired by groups such as Kriss Kross and The Boys. Thus seeing kids who looked like me up on the stage motivated me. It made me believe that I was capable of attaining such success to. I knew that was my passion, and something I wanted to be a part of: to rap, dance and be a performer. Now I can say that is my reality.
Q: What message are you trying to convey to your fans? When they hear the name Nix what do you want people to feel?
Nix: To be confident, inspirational and resilient. Being African is an inspiration, because we are able to turn our struggles into beautiful positive stories. Therefore, I try to incorporate that into my music, as best as I can. Thus when you hear Nix, I want you to feel determined. I want my music to motivate you to continue chasing your dreams and finding strength in who you are.
Q: Your culture is a huge part of your brand. Can you explain the significance of the Senegalese Culture to you?
Nix: It’s everything to me. It’s a part of me. The culture raised me, shaped me and helped me feel connected with my ancestors. Furthermore, it has opened my ears to so many different genres. Thus I wear my culture with honour, and remain proud to represent Senegal and Africa in everything I do.
Q: What is your songwriting process to create music?
Nix: I just get inspiration from my surroundings really. Whether it be watching a film, walking through streets, working out in the gym or through conservations. Then I go straight to the music, and into the studio. Furthermore I think of myself as a very positive human being. I like to laugh, I like to joke. That gives me the comfortability to create good music.
Q: As we all know, the music industry is very intense. What’s the most challenging part that people are oblivious to?
Nix: People don’t realize how expensive it really is. Social media portrays this false image that makes it look easy. But in reality, production takes time, money and a team. However, it’s not impossible. Many African artists have worked with tiny budgets, and still managed to reach global audiences. Thus all you need is resilience and creativity.
Q: What are some of your most memorable accomplishments and milestones that you have achieved throughout your career?
Nix: Recording with Wyclef Jean was huge. We met in Dakar at a party. I was just introduced to him at a party, and played some tunes from my album and he was impressed. The next day we were in the studio and recorded a song. A year later, we finished the track with Jerry Wonder in New York.
I also met Pharrell Williams at one of my concerts. He wanted to meet me afterwards, and I was shocked like wow! Pharrell Williams really wants to meet me? He shook my hand and told me how much he loved a mix of African drums, violin and electronic sounds. That was such a heart-warming moment for me. Furthermore, working with Chanel and performing in their shows in Tokyo and Senegal was a huge deal for me.
Q: You touched on working with Chanel. Talk to us about your experience
Nix: Well they were planning a show in Dakar, and they reached out to me to join their team. I performed and they loved it. So they invited me back to do a full 30-minute set. That was really the beginning of an extensive lineage of collaboration with Chanel. Since then they’ve flown me out to shows in Paris and Tokyo.
I also got to work with my own stylist, who I’ve been working with for years for the Chanel shows. They were more than happy, and so impressed they asked her to design all the outfits for the 60 dancers that took part. That was my favorite part of it all really. They empower young African creatives, giving them a platform to showcase their art. I also joined their panels, where I speak about music, cinema and fashion.
Q: You spoke earlier about the fact that you’ve also worked in film. Can you tell us about that?
Nix: Well, I did a short film back when I released my EP. The soundtrack and the story were linked. It wasn’t a big cinematic film, I mean some shots were filmed using iPhones. But with the tiny budget we had we made it work. To my surprise, it got invited to be showcased at festivals in Canada, Brazil and Belgium. It wasn’t perfect, but I learnt some much and gained valuable knowledge about the film-making process.
Now, I am working on a new short film , even visiting the biggest short festival in France to prepare for it. I pitched the film and managed to get a producer, and now have some upcoming meetings on getting the film moving. So it’s all coming together. However, unlike last time, I will not be acting in it, but working behind the scenes. So I’m very excited about that.
Q: What can the fans expect from you next Nix
Nix: Well, I’m proud to say that I have an album debuting very soon! I’ve been working on it for 3 years, taking my time because the standards are high. With stars such as Burna Boy and Wizkid setting the bar. But that encourages me to push harder. It’s a beautiful challenge really. Africa is global now, and I want to contribute to that wave with quality and originality.
Make sure you follow Nix Instagram and YouTube, for more update on his music!
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