Music artist Nao wil be playing the O2 Institute in Birmingham in April (Photograph: Sam Stubbings/Nao)
MOBO newcomer of 2015, Nao released her latest single Fool to Love last week with streams via Soundcloud rocketing overnight following the success of Bad Blood late last year.
Her sound has been described as electro-soul meets alternative R&B, whatever box you want to try and place her in, one this is for sure, she is definitely adding something extraordinary to current British music.
Fool to Love is yet another installment of her unique sound that has us a step closer her upcoming and eagerly anticipated album, which she assures us, via twitter, is on its way. *squeals*
Can’t wait 2 drop some more tasters from my album with u guys, there’s so much I wanna share with u musically. Ep’s were never quite long ..
— NAO (@thisNAO) 29 February 2016
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Nao (pictured) will be supported at her Birmingham show by US artist Demo Taped
Nao will soon be embarking on her, almost sold out, first UK tour next month. We’ve been keeping a keen eye on her music over the past couple of years and are super excited to hear she has sold out her Birmingham leg of the tour.
We ask young Birmingham artists what they liked about Nao’s art and this what some of them said:
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Luanda
“I like how she’s never afraid to keep surprising you within a song, you don’t think it can get better and then it just gets taken that one step further. Plus she’s all the Black Girl Magic!”
Lu, Aspiring Actress
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Lokui
“Nao has such a refreshing sound, personally I enjoy the marriage between the production and her vocals it’s crazy. So much fluidity, the dynamics, silences, so much movement, but all elements move together seamlessly. Birmingham has no choice but to love Nao, she must love us all to grace us with such beautiful music.”
Lokui, Music Producer
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Suriya
“I like Nao because she wasn’t afraid to start her career later she puts time into her artistry. She’s daring, she makes bold choices – namely the Bad Blood video. Her poetic lyricism makes her a stand out. Birmingham likes her because she’s fiercely creative and that’s what we are.”
Suriya, poet & creative producer
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Nao’s Birmingham show is part of her European tour, and one of six UK dates
We look forward to the release of her album and wish her all the best on her upcoming UK tour, we’ll be in the front row at the Birmingham O2 Institute whooping and dancing.
Keep an eye out, Nao is 100% one to watch, we’re hoping she makes the AFROPUNK UK bill!
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Listen to Nao’s ‘Fool to Love’ here, or below:
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Nao will be performing at the O2 Institute in Birmingham – with support from Demo Taped – on Wednesday 20th April, 2016. More details here.
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Aliyah Hasinah | @a2thesquared
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