British-Ghanaian singer Nectar Woode blends soul and West African influences in her album Naturally, inspired by personal reflection and cultural roots.
Nectar Woode's European Tour
Nectar Woode, a British-Ghanaian singer, is currently performing across Europe as part of a tour. Her recent Paris show at the Bellevilloise was preceded by an interview with Tsugi, where she discussed her music, influences, and the inspiration behind her latest album Naturally.Background and Influences
Born in London to an English mother and a Ghanaian father, Woode recently released Naturally, an album that blends 21st-century English soul with West African musical elements. She has been compared to artists such as Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, and Lauryn Hill, and has collaborated with Elton John on a track titled "validation of zinzin."Musical Inspiration
Woode explained that her music is inspired by 1970s soul artists like Aretha Franklin and Donny Hathaway, as well as the "soulquarian" era. She described her songwriting style as carefree and natural, allowing emotions to emerge without overthinking. Her father ensured she was immersed in Ghanaian culture from a young age, through food, church, and clothing, even though she was born in the United Kingdom and only recently visited Ghana.Cultural and Personal Influence
She described feeling at home in Ghana and noted that the cultural influences have shaped her musical style and approach to music. Woode discussed the evolution of her musical influences, noting that she initially listened to her parents' music, which included jazz, highlife, and reggae, but later discovered and embraced the works of D'Angelo and Erykah Badu.Album Concept and Personal Reflection
The title Naturally was chosen because the album was created during a period of personal reflection, with Woode drawing inspiration from her daily walks and observations of people. She described the album as a collection of songs that helped her through difficult times. The track "Wine Into Water" is particularly personal, reflecting on her childhood and the loss of innocence.Collaboration with Elton John
Woode's collaboration with Elton John came about after she sent him an email about a song she had written. He responded positively, and the two worked together in the studio. She described the experience as natural and easy, emphasizing the shared connection through soulful music.Visual Art and Music Videos
Her music videos are inspired by her thoughts while walking and are designed to resemble moving paintings or collages. She worked with an artist named Mopher Crook to bring her vision to life, using a collage-like style that reflects her creative process.Live Performances and Community
Woode has been active in the London music scene, participating in jam sessions both in person and online, especially during the pandemic. She emphasized the importance of live performances and community in building a musical presence. She also mentioned exploring darker themes in her new compositions, aiming to reflect the complexities of daily life through her music.Recognition and Impact
One of her songs, "River Ends," was featured on the Emirates playlist, a fact she learned from her bassist. She expressed hope that her music brings comfort to listeners, stating that she writes songs that help her and hopes they will help others as well.
