Joy Adaeze Styles and Interviews Singer/Songwriter Nefatari for Runway Passport Magazine!

Hi Fabulous Friends!

A couple of months ago I had the great pleasure of styling and interviewing super talented singer/songwriter, and my friend Nefatari for Runway Passport Magazine! The theme for the shoot was a mix of colorful Jamaican influence and high fashion New York style which included pieces from Ashish, Haleh Nematzadeh and fierce Tania Spinelli shoes. After the fab shoot we sat down for a chat about what’s next for her music career, her fab style and words of wisdom! Enjoy!

NEFATARI is a talented up and coming singer/songwriter and the daughter of fashion icon Constance White (click here for Ms. White’s interview with Runway Passport). Stylist JOY ADAEZE dresses her in Jamaica meets New York influenced fashion in honor of New York born Nefatari’s Jamaican roots. 

JOY ADAEZE for RP: A few months ago you shot the music video for your infectious smash single, “All The Boys” in Jamaica. What was your experience shooting the video? And by the way you looked gorgeous in it!
NEFATARI: Thank you! It was a great experience. This is my second video I’ve shot in Jamaica. M1 Sounds and JC Films directed it. It was a lot of work but I loved working with such talented people. My vision definitely came across which was very important to me since it’s not always easy combining the visions of the artist and director. Everyone involved did a great job! it!

JA: How did your collaboration with Billboard recording artist Erup (of the hit song “Click Mi’ Finger”) on the song “Taking Over” come about?
NEFATARI: Erup and I have known each other for about 3 years and hadn’t worked together. So we thought now was a good time. Producer Big Pun had a track that had a hip hop and dancehall fusion sound. So that was the perfect track for the both of us. He and I wrote the song together. He is on the brink of making a comeback and I am on the brink of breaking into the industry so we are in the same frame of mind. That is how we came up with the concept for the song “Taking Over”.

JA: You were recently in Jamaica. What projects did you work on down there?
NEFATARI: I recorded a song on a riddim called “Quick Fix” by Payday Music. This will be out in 2011. The song is called “Never Get It”. This song is edgy, empowering for women and a brand new sound for my fans! I have also been working with producer Jam 2, who is the son of legendary producer King Jammys. I will be recording a song with him very soon.

JA: Your mom is influential style expert Constance White. And you were a model before launching your singing career (having modeled for Tommy Hilfiger, Vogue, Glamour, WWD and most recently a photoshoot with famed photographer Gilles Bensimon). What role does fashion play in your life and what is your personal style?
NEFATARI: Fashion is definitely both an inspiration and motivation for me, being that fashion is my second love after music. I am constantly reading fashion magazines and searching for great looks online. My image reflects in my music. My fashion is a reflection of who I am. My personal style is definitely edgy with a soft touch. For example, yesterday I wore these bow earrings that have a knife hanging down from the bow! I love things that stand out!

JA: How did you know you wanted to be a singer/songwriter?
NEFATARI: It’s always been my passion! I’ve always wanted to do this. There was a time that I didn’t think it was a reality for me. But then I decided that if other people could be successful in the music industry, so could I- if I wanted it bad enough. So, I decided to pursue it. For the past 5 years I have been living the life that I chose for myself. I wouldn’t trade it for anything!

JA: Currently you have upped the amp in your role of singing in addition to songwriting. Do you prefer one over the other? What do you like about both?
NEFATARI: I can’t really say that I like one over the other. I love writing a song and then hearing it after it’s been recorded. That is an amazing experience because I created a feeling that otherwise wouldn’t have been there. And I also love the high after performing. I love being able to inspire people with what I do. I like both equally.

JA: What’s next for your career?
NEFATARI: Continuing to spread the word about my music and who I am as an artist. My goal is to have a #1 hit on the Billboard charts. I have an intense promotion campaign lined up this year. My team and I are also launching Nefatari TV, my new Youtube channel. There are lots of exciting projects in store!

JA: Where do you see yourself in 10 years? What would you like to have accomplished by then?
NEFATARI:: In 10 years I see myself with an empire that incorporates both music and fashion: my two loves. I am definitely an entrepreneur so building an empire is an important goal for me. I see myself being very happy with who I am and what I’ve become. I also hope to have a #1 on the Billboard charts and make my stamp in the music industry. Additionally, I want to give back to the community and travel the world.

JA: What is the impact you want to leave in the music world?
NEFATARI: I definitely want to bring something different. I want people to hear my songs and know it’s Nefatari. I also want to create a path for women in the music industry because there is a double standard. I want to empower women and bring equality between men and women in the industry.

JA: What are some words of wisdom that you live by?
NEFATARI: I have two: “This too shall pass”. I got this from my mom, who says it to me all the time. Tomorrow is another day!
The other one is “He is the author and finisher of my destiny”. This means no man or woman holds your destiny or your future. It is in God’s hands alone. I am thinking of getting a tattoo of this!

You can see more of the shoot HERE.

xoxo

Joy Adaeze

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