FEATURE:
Spotlight
Somadina
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IT is hard to keep a track…
of all the amazing talent that will define and mould this year. One artist I am a fan of and love the music of is Somadina (Somadina Onuoha). The Nigerian artist is absolutely phenomenal! I have out her social media links at the bottom. Make sure you keep abreast of what is happening and all her latest musical offerings. In November, she released the stunning album, Heart of the Heavenly Undeniable (HOTHU). I am going to wrap up with a review for that album. First, there are a few interviews with Somadina I want to bring in. New Wave Magazine introduced this incredible talent:
“Still sticking on the topic of growing up, we asked Somadina on her influences and prominently through her music career. For her, her father was a person who allowed her to do whatever she wished to do through the lens of admiration; as she bears that given love from her father to champion herself through the music industry. Another inspiration is the Ghanaian songstress Amaarae, an artist that organically exudes the embodiment of black femininity. Somadina quickly mentions how she attended her writing camp - “Going to the camp was quite unplanned because I met her before but we never really spent time together. When I went to LA last year, she happened to be there at the same time so coincidentally, someone invited me to dinner. From then on, everything was so organic with her! At the camp, I was somewhere comfortable with producers, songwriters and singers and her. It was so cool and she makes incredible music. Seeing that and also the way she worked, it was so inspiring.”
In 2018, IHY was Somadina’s first studio produced song. Highlighting how much better off you are from that man/woman, we experience first hand from her discography her extraordinary ability to display her voice and her lyrical composition to the world. From then on, songs such as the punk-rock coated ‘SUPERSOMA’ and sensual ‘Kno Me’ have received international appreciation. When making music, being genre restricted contains Somadina within a box. Experimenting with new sounds, feelings and emotions allows her to really showcase her motto of being free and, through her own words, “Always be fearless, throw yourself into the deep end, and never give up.” When I had asked the question of what difficulties she had faced in her career, and what song highlighted that, I heard a response that was refreshing to hear:
Her response demonstrated that Somadina is using her patience to shape herself into a better musician because she is working with it. We get an insight of an icon, and we can't wait to see what she comes up with next. Being versatile includes everything that you do with patience mastered.
Christianity and Somadina go hand in hand as she mentions that “artistry to me is about growing as a person only and growing spiritually, mentally, physically”. Growing up in a predominantly Christian environment and family, she uses her religion to channel her artistry. “Making music and Christianity are both important to me. I make every effort to pray and talk to God on a personal level. It is the root of my foundation of affections, and I feel really blessed by him, so I don't take that relationship for granted, and I believe it keeps me grounded”.
In August, prior to the release of her album, Raydar Magazine spoke with Somadina. An artist that has been taking the scene by storm for years now, I think that 2022 was her biggest year. It was definitely one when her music found a larger audience:
“Nigerian-based artist Somadina bleeds talent. The young artist has been taking the industry by storm for some time now. Starting with her 2018 single “Ihy”, which set the tone for the singer. Shortly after, her popular single “Lay Low” ft Nigerian artist Orinayo, was released in 2019. A duet-themed R&B ballad consisting of heart-felt lyrics wrapped in boundless emotion. Following the fast-moving artistic progression of Somadina came a 5 track EP titled, Five Stages, which was released in 2020. She was brave enough to share her painful journey with the world, a journey that was an offspring of heartbreak.
The project takes the listener through the same lows and highs that the singer experienced in her young adulthood. She emphasized the fact that pain is not forever and that “acceptance is the most blissful part of grief.” Acceptance is an important component of growth, which Somadina indeed continued to do. Later that year, she also showcased a different, more wild side of herself and released her popular single “Kno Me” featuring the well-known Nigerian-based artist SGaWD.
The single would lay the groundwork for her building enough confidence to release her latest single “SUPERSOMA,” showcasing a more provocative and raunchy nature of the artist. Now, Somadina is looking to break through sonic barriers. The alternative rock-themed song hints at some influences from the brit-pop and 70’s Afro-rock era. The dexterous artist does a great job mixing the rock/punk-based production with a dominant Nigerian top line. A unique combination that has all the formulas for success. “SUPERSOMA” is not a regional record by any means.
The record has been spotted on stations all around the world, including my city Washington, DC. Nigeria is proving to be a breeding ground for top talent in the music industry, and she’s proof that the apple does not fall far from the tree. Furthermore, we got a chance to sit down with Somadina and talk about her upbringing, creative process, beliefs, and more. Check out the full interview below.
Tell us a bit about where you are from?
I’m from Nigeria. I was born in Nigeria then I moved to the Netherlands when I was about one or two. I lived there for nine years. So, I grew up in the Netherlands then I moved back to Nigeria. When I was back in Nigeria, I was about 10 years old, continued living in Nigeria for a couple more years. I went to secondary school here then I went to school in London for six years. Yeah, I’m from everywhere. I currently live in Lagos, Nigeria – a fun city.
Your music displays different facets of your personality. It ranges from sweet and gentle to raunchy and provocative, is your music a direct reflection of who you are as a person?
My music is a reflection of the stages I have experienced in life. More than just me. I think I always have periods where I’m making a certain type of music or discovering a certain type of sound. It just reflects the period in time in my life. I believe I’m capable of making anything and everything. I’m inspired by so much music.
It also has to do with the way I grew up. I’ve heard so many things. I’ve listened to music in so many different languages. So I just feel like it’s periodic. I’m making a lot of rock music right now, but I started as an R&B girl. I had a whole phase last year where I was just rapping and it’s just always very periodic.
How involved are you with the production process?
My new project will have songs that are mostly executive produced by me. I’ll ask producers to play certain sounds I’ve thought about. I also like giving people a lot of space to create with me because I don’t want to start ‘over-creating’ with just myself in my mind. So, like when I was in LA working with producers and writers, I would have an idea of a melody but then be like, “okay do what you want with that” and they will just take it to another dimension. It’ll be something new. Overall, I’m very, very intentional with everything I make but I like exploring with people and trying new things, having new ideas and input. I’m very particular about that too.
As an artist should be?
I don’t even know what to say, I don’t see myself past anything. I don’t think that one thing ever changes. I want to always be so connected to the music and I want it to be so intentional, like, it doesn’t have to be fake deep. Do you know what I mean? At the end of the day, a lot of my lyrics are just very passive and you know, you make what you can make what you want from it. Everything has to have an intention and has to have some type of perspective.
Even when I was making this new song “SUPERSOMA” I suppose, I was just listening to a lot of afro-rock from the 70s, a lot of psychedelic rock music. I wanted a lot of Nigerian culture to be inspired by that new song but I wanted it to sound very evolved, where you could listen to it globally.
What kind of music inspired you growing up?
So my dad was a music head growing up, he played a lot of music on Sunday mornings. I heard a lot of gospel growing up. I think that’s where a lot of the actual singing styles came from. My dad used to play John Legend. My dad’s in love with John Legend. I like Fela Kuti! My dad never played him for us, I found him on my own when I went to boarding school. I started listening to Fela Kuti, a lot of afro-rock and psychedelic rock. So like William Onyeabor, Lijadu Sisters. Just a lot of these older artists and those guys were phenomenal.
Like nobody was doing that, they were some other shit. I don’t know if it was all drugs but they were so good. And you know, that was Nigeria in the 70s. So, I got a lot of inspiration from that type of music, but I had to search for the type of music. I listened to a lot of rock, like just normal rock music. I listen to a lot of Avril Lavigne. I guess everybody can tell and I listened to a lot of old bands. One of my favorite bands is called Shampoo, They’re amazing. I love their visuals as well. Yeah, just so many bands. I listen to a lot of band music. Maybe I should be in a band”.
I am going to round up soon. Before getting there, Wonderland. asked Somadina about her upcoming work, and the importance of working alongside other female artists. It is clear that she is firmly on the radar now and is primed for massive things this year:
“Somadina is emerging as one of Nigeria’s freshest talents. Her new EP “Heart of the Heavenly Undeniable” marks a turning point in her sound, and there’s no looking back. Banding together with a group of Nollywood, punk inspired girls – Somadina is calling on women to revel in their power. This is the very core of the artist’s new EP, through which an undeniable energy burgeons and flourishes – which is exactly what makes her an intriguing prospect.
The project traverses effervescent soundscapes, employing the production prowess from the likes of the Grammy-nominated producer Soft Glas. Somadina also joins forces with a repertoire of up-and-coming artists, like neo-soul talent Chi Virgo, the singer-songwriter L0la, and the critically acclaimed highlife band The Cavemen. While the tracks oscillate and meander between different genres and sonic qualities, Somadina’s unparalleled vocal talent is the glue holding each song together.
At the tender age of 22, the young artist is a globetrotter of sorts. Flitting between Nigeria, The UK, and The Netherlands while growing up – Somadina’s musical talent is a testament to her shapeshifting identity, wherein she can express herself through a range of genres with ease. With a UK festival performance at The Great Escape 2023 on the horizon, and another performance at London’s illustrious venue KOKO under her belt – this new EP is fuel to the already flaming fire.
Congrats on your new EP “Heart of the Heavenly Undeniable!” It’s an intriguing title. How did that come about?
Making the EP has been quite the journey. The title changed over time. Just like I’ve changed and evolved after each new song. When the journey was concluding, I started realising a lot more about myself. I found a greater purpose in my faith, and the title is really just a reflection of me finally accepting that purpose and seeing the bigger vision.
Can you talk us through the writing process of the EP?
I write based on life experiences, memory, fantasy- at times. The process has never been set in stone for me. I just do what comes naturally. I sing from my soul. Sometimes I freestyle or write in my bedroom. Other times, I’ve collaborated with dope writers in sessions. The EP was made across LA, Nigeria, Ghana and London. Each experience was special and memorable to each song.
It’s your first fully fledged project. Did you find it daunting at all?
Not really. I’m quite chill about it if I’m being honest. I’ve been working on the project for the last 2 years and I believe in the sound a lot. I think many people will resonate with it. It’s fresh and kind of tickles your brain a bit. Especially its bridge between future and nostalgia. I’m sure it’ll find the right home. I’m not worried, I just have to be patient.
There’s a lot of feminine energy on the EP, with features from Chi Virgo and L0la – what’s the significance of female representation to you?
Honestly, I just really love both artists. There are Nigerian artists right now really breaking the status-quo and I think that’s super important and relevant to our sonic history, especially as women. Both features came about so organically. I don’t even think we knew we were working towards music for the project. It all kind of just… happened”.
I will end with a review from Pulse. They provided their thoughts on the incredible Heart of the Heavenly Undeniable (HOTHU). Although I have seen it called an E.P., it is definitely an album. It is one that I would recommend to everyone. I keep coming back to it time and time again:
“H.O.T.U.H is rich in exportable potential amongst a lot of young European and American fans, who will be transported to new realms when they hear some of these songs performed live.
When Somadina was 20, she released Five Stages, a picture-esque conceptual, diaristic depiction of the infamous ‘Five Stages of Grief.’ It was a sad album, illuminated by the brilliance of detail and the occasional moments of reminiscent luster.
In certain moments on ‘Five Stages,’ Somadina looked like a young woman, robbed of her innocent admiration of life’s warmth. It felt like she was being stripped of the final vestiges of her psychological naivety - the kind that makes human beings believe in good things; the kind that keeps the inner child alive.
Since then, she has matured and continues to school in the United Kingdom. Now 22, her new 11-track album, Heart of the Undeniable Heavenly [HOTUH] loses all the admirable innocence and grief. In its place lies a more aggressive and seemingly mature edge.
The lyrical content of Somadina's latest project is such a rude awakening, that the prayer at the end of ‘Dreams’ - presumably from Somadina’s mom - feels like a necessary intercession. Don’t laugh, this is serious, please.
H.O.T.U.H is a show of range, and a sharp left from R&B. At its root, it explores desire, self-discovery, sexuality, cravings, liberation/freedom, rebellion, growth exploration, the growing pains of early adult angst and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it, but that’s all covered by Somadina’s pungent indifference.
Across the album lies Gen Z liberal tendency for emotionless attraction barring the retributive tendencies of ‘Citrus Tears,’ where she chases a dude, like someone chased her on ‘Everybody Bleeds.’
Before then, even when she gets a little vulnerable with passive amorous longing on ‘Dreams,’ she mires it in vagueness.
But underneath all the ‘maturity,’ there lies an undertone, that this phase has reactive and momentary coming-of-age tendencies.
Perhaps, the more mature, less emotional feel to ‘H.O.T.U.H’ is a reaction to the pains of ‘Five Stages,’ as Somadina tries to forge a way towards healing in her own way, while she also grapples with the oft-overwhelming happenings, desires and tendencies of early adulthood, in a liberal world as a Gen Z woman, affected by the internet and the alluring tendencies of the contemporary values like sexual liberalism, which nurture her.
And those values can be addictive because they offer a sense of power, and even dominance.
Perhaps, that is why Somadina transforms from a lovestruck teenager, into a young woman, who is bold enough to cop a young man who suits her taste into a tryst, but without the usual emotional baggage or trappings that come with it - just sex, as they say.
‘I Saw An Angel On The Rooftop and Wept’ and ‘Everybody Bleeds’ typify this mindstate. To put an exclamation point on the casual nature of the said tryst, she sings, “I don’t give a f**k about you” on ‘Everybody Bleeds.’
But this type of life also comes with pressure, which Somadina aims to dispel on the self-explanatory, ‘WDYWFM' or 'Imagine Give A F**k,' just like the atypical mid-2000s Teen Pop/Teen Rock song, pulled from a mid-2000s soundtrack to a High school/coming-of-age flick. Think Joan Jett’s ‘Bad Reputation,’ with a Brookes Brothers remix, ‘In The Summer.’
There was also a nod to an exploration of sexuality on ‘Crzy Girl,’ where Somadina embodies a character, who appears to be convincing a girl to leave her boyfriend for her.
The Sound
All of these themes were canvassed on a markedly different sound as well. The sonic theme of the album seems to be "Emotional Psychedelia."
Somadina explores Teen pop/Teen Rock with grown topics, Alt-pop, Plastic Afro-soul, Synth Pop, Soul, Sophisti-Pop, Neo-Soul, Techno, Reggaeton and mid-2000s Kylie Minogue Post-Pop sounds.
In fact, if sped up Nelly Furtado, Gym Class Heroes Pop, Kid Cudi, Lorde’s slurp but with a heavily alternative edge, mid-2000s Kylie Minogue Post-pop and Paramore had a baby, delivered by Madonna’s 80’s Pop vocal manipulations and intentionally dexterous blandness, and was raised in 70’s Psychedelic Rock-obsessed post civil war South Eastern Nigeria, but grew up on 2000s Teen Pop Disney songs, it would sound like this album.
Standout tracks
It’s not all doom and gloom either. The album’s sonics excels in its detail and throwback tendencies. The Rock elements of the album were perfected, and songs like ‘Everybody Bleeds,’ ‘I Saw An Angel On The Rooftop and Smiled,’ ‘Small Paradise’ and ‘Citrus Tears’ stand out.
In fact, ‘Small Paradise’ is the most judicious and most exciting use of a Cavemen feature in over 18 months. It is an amazing Psychedelic Soul piece, by way of ChillWave”.
One of the most important artists of this year, I think that the years of incredible work Somadina has put in is paying off now. The Nigerian artist is going to be a massive name very soon. Her music is for everyone. Go and spend some time with Somadina. I know that she will be busy touring on working on new music. I can only imagine how incredible her songs sound on the stage! It is an experience that I want to have…
VERY soon.
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