We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jenny Lea. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jenny below.
Hi Jenny, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
It’s interesting because, while I’ve always had a deep love and passion for music, pursuing it as a profession was something I resisted for a long time. I went through a lot of soul-searching to find my purpose, and no matter how far I strayed, music always brought me back to myself. It didn’t feel like I found my purpose—it felt like my purpose found me.
But I’ve come to realize that making music isn’t just the purpose—it’s what comes with it. It’s about connecting with people in ways that transcend words, bridging distances far beyond my physical reach. It’s about vulnerability, self-expression, and being part of a community that’s tapped into something bigger than ourselves. And for me, the purest joy is found in those moments—singing with and for the people I love, creating something meaningful together. That’s what fills my heart and keeps me grounded in what I do.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m Jenny Lea—an artist, songwriter, and DJ who thrives at the intersection of creativity, community, and self-expression. My journey began as the frontwoman of I M U R, an electronic-RnB group where I found my voice both figuratively and literally. That chapter taught me the power of vulnerability and connection, performing on stages across Canada, the USA, and India and sharing stories that resonated with millions of listeners.
Now, I’m a part of NADUH, a femme-powered hip-hop supergroup where I get to collaborate with some of the most incredible women I’ve ever met. Together, we’re not just making music; we’re creating a movement that uplifts, inspires, and celebrates authenticity. Being recently signed to Birthday Cake Records and nominated for R&B Artist of the Year has been an exciting milestone for us.
What excites me most about what I do is how music transcends boundaries. Whether I’m on stage with NADUH, DJing a set, or connecting with other artists, it’s all about creating meaningful moments that stay with people long after the music fades.
Right now, I’m diving deeper into DJing—a new love that allows me to mix the sounds that have shaped me. I’m also focused on mentorship, sharing my experience with emerging artists through panels, workshops, and songwriting camps. For me, it’s about giving back to the creative community that’s given me so much and continuing to evolve as an artist and a person.
And, of course, I’m excited for what’s to come—NADUH has new music on the way and lots of shows lined up for 2025, and I’m feeling more inspired than ever. I hope to keep creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and connected, whether through music, storytelling, or shared experiences.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three qualities have been pivotal in my journey: resilience, collaboration, and authenticity.
Resilience has been essential in navigating the ups and downs of the music industry. There are so many moments of self-doubt, rejection, and uncertainty, but learning to see those challenges as opportunities for growth has been transformative. For anyone starting out, my advice is to build a strong foundation of self-belief and remind yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing. Find ways to recharge—whether that’s through friends/family, nature, or other creative outlets—so you can keep showing up for yourself.
Collaboration has opened doors I never imagined. Both I M U R and NADUH were formed just through playing around with homies who share similar values and vision. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, challenge you, and push you to grow. Developing your ability to listen, compromise and drop your ego, and bring your unique perspective to a collective vision will help you create the unimaginable.
Authenticity is what truly makes your work resonate. Early on in my life, I thought success meant fitting into certain molds, but I’ve learned that being unapologetically myself—not just in my art, but in how I show up—is what builds meaningful connections. Get curious about what lights you up and lean into that.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The biggest challenge I’m facing right now is dealing with writer’s block. With so many major life changes and spending so much time focused on the business side of music, it’s been hard to tap into the playful, free-flowing energy that creativity thrives on. I’m actively working to reconnect with that spark by nurturing my inner child—giving myself permission to create purely for joy, without pressure or expectation. Collaborating with new people just for fun is something I plan to do a lot of this winter, I think there will lie inspiration and ignite the fire. It’s a journey, but I’m learning to trust that creativity will return when I make space for it to breathe.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.itsnaduh.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jennyleamusic
- Other: SPOTIFY I M U R: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3zJp99O5muOM6T31wat7FS?si=Mt1KjXBlRimJ5YbNllm3kw
SPOTIFY NADUH: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5voTUw1S7gRACJXVp3slwh?si=h6dTUGpfTZeZ-H3RyX_9rA
Image Credits
Jocasta Clarke, Cody Briggs, Sterling Larose
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