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.
