Meet Your New Brooding Pop Fave… NJOMZA

Born in Germany to Kosovar-Albanian parents and growing up in Chicago, NJOMZA always knew it would be music that would take her heart. Starting out posting song covers on YouTube, the singer-songwriter was discovered by the late Mac Miller, collaborating with the artist on his final album The Divine Feminine and becoming the first signee to his label. Later recognised for her songwriting work on Ariana Grande’s GRAMMY Award-winning album thank u, next, NJOMZA was mixing in all the right circles. Honing in on a signature sound taking inspiration from both time with collaborators as well as her diverse upbringing, NJOMZA now finds herself a true pop veteran, defying genres and making anthemic tunes for every weather.

Fresh from the release of brooding electronic R&B offering, ‘Emotional’, which also sees the artist delve into dark-pop and dance(!), we sat down with NJOMZA to find out more…

Hey NJOMZA. Congratulations on your latest single! Can you walk us through your process of writing ‘Emotional’?

I wanted to make something with some movement that still had a night time/dark feel to it. I got in the studio with Blair Taylor and WurlD and we made it happen together. 

What is the message you would like the listeners to take away from this anthem?

It’s a song about being completely taken over by the feeling of missing someone and needing them in your life. “You know that I need you” is repeated over and over. I’d say if you were to take anything away from it; it would be to honor your emotions and be proud of how deeply you can express your love. 

You collaborated with Blair Taylor and WurlD on this track, how did these come about?

Blair is a long time collaborator and friend of mine. I’m really excited about all the music we have created together. I called him and had him and WurlD pull up to my session. WurlD is an incredible artist and was in town at the time. We just all had fun with this record and it came together so organically. 

Take us back to the beginning. What ignited your passion for music? 

I was very young when I knew I wanted to be an artist. It’s just been something that was a part of my being for as long as I can remember. I think my earliest dream of being a singer was at around 5 years old!

You’ve worked with some incredible artists in your career. Looking back, who was your favorite artist to work with and why?

Mac [Miller]. I admired him so much. His work ethic was insane and so was his musicianship. He taught me a lot and I think I still continue to learn from him when I listen to his music.

Are there any goals you want to achieve in your music career?

My goal is to never stop making it. I want to make such honest music that it feels like a portal into my soul. I think it takes a lot of bravery to lay it all out there. 

Who are some of your favourite artists at the moment that inspire you?

I’ve been loving Fred again.. He’s someone I’d love to collaborate with. His music is so good.

What should we keep an eye out for from NJOMZA in the near future?

A new project and then some! I’m ready to set all my music free.

Make sure to check out NJOMZA’s official dance video for her track ‘Emotional’ here or below.