Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to NVIRV (fka NA!RA). We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
NVIRV, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
Being creative can sometimes be as natural as breathing or walking. It just flows when you’re aligned and inspired. There is also a downside to constantly having to crank out products. The mental + physical strain, your internal pressures of excellence, and all the noise that comes with the business of art can sometimes steal the joy out of the creative process. My personal journey has been one where I’ve allowed myself to let life inspire me again… Permission to slow down, be observant, sleep, hike, try and even fail at new forms of expression. Sometimes that takes me far away from music and film, but most times it brings me back with a refreshed perspective. Gingered like we say back home. I think that has been the key to my artistic evolution. People, love, pain, cultural humility, and world travel to breathe new life into my work.
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 am a storyteller at my core. My work has typically come in the form of music and film. The music I create has been referred to as Alté, which is a fusion of Afrobeats, R&B/Soul, Hip-hop, and Pop elements. Hear my work categorized in the genre was actually refreshing. Like walking into a home that felt familiar, but new. I finally felt free to experiment without feeling alone in my desire to blend sounds and rhythms. Music execs and listeners in general are a lot more receptive to different these days. So me and all the other dope artists in this space no longer have to be confined to the genericness of “World Music” as a catch all. I’m happy to be among those in the diaspora and across Africa forging a path for the genre! Funny enough, I think my music is also born out of curiosity and admiration for all the crazy, beautiful, dramatic stories I come across in meeting new people.
My new song “Touch” is actually a perfect example ! I recently traveled to South Africa for the first time and was so inspired! They have such a vibrant culture (as do Nigerians) so blending Afrobeats rhythms with the entrancing vibes of Amapiano all came together naturally. It was like falling madly in love and finding the words to describe the rush of feelings and deep connectedness that came unexpectedly. Johannesburg especially was electric! I just gave in to the vibes, the freeness of the culture, the energy of the people and this song is what poured out…
It’s been a lot of that over the past two years or so… Letting genuine respectful curiosity lead. From developing an exciting new tv series, recording music for my EP to producing a short film (In the Stillness) that has been around the world and back. I’m very proud of projects and creatives that have lent their gifts to making these dreams come true. The audacity of writing, directing, starring in and shooting a project in two countries (Thailand and US) was an epic experience. So far the project has screened at film festivals in nine different cities across the globe and even won a few awards. I’m so glad I never gave up and fought through the doubt and fear!
We ended 2023 with a lot of triumphant firsts such as performing for the first time in Nigeria on a huge platform, radio premiers new in countries, and putting my work out there more. 2024 is looking incredible already!
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?
Curiosity, Persistence, Patience is the trifecta of qualities to hone.
Curiosity feeds into the purpose behind the work an artist creates and it fuels us when things go left – as it often does. I’ve leaned into my nature more. Respectful curiosity definitely has been a source of inspiration. Keeps me fresh, excited about creating and not so jaded by the muck and mire.
Persistence is the difference between a hobbyist and an artist seeking to master their artform and themselves for that matter. Good food takes time to marinate and so does impactful art. Society makes us feel like we should all be rushing to do something epic and truly some of the greatest are only recognized post mort, but there are some living legends that have proven that persistence is clutch.
Patience is the rudest most essential quality that I’ve spent forever trying to nurture. Sometimes it has looked like me stepping away from a project entirely when I’m frustrated, asking for a deadline extension, missing an opportunity, or starting a project all over again until its right. In the end, having something that I will be proud of is at the core of my mission. Boy oh boy does it is humbling how God works on you with patience! Works out in the end though!
My biggest career achievements from sync license for film/tv, awards, performing on stages across the world have all been on the shoulders of the trifecta. Tis my mantra
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
There is something absolutely magical about working on a project with passionate creatives. More than ever before, I am determined to find and build my tribe. Screenwriters, cinematographers, wardrobe stylists, music producers, graphic designers, marketing geniuses, creative directors and film producers let’s connect and bring to life amazing work. We go faster and farther together! 2024 is the year of production, so if you interested in working on film, tv, or music projects please reach out.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fearlesslynaira.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fearlesslynvirv
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/fearlesslynvirv
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Fearlesslynvirv
Image Credits
Images 1, 6, 7, 11 and 14 | Photographer Desert Rice Images 2, 3 & 13 Courtesy of Flytime Fest Image 4 | Photographer Kareem Yearwood Image 5 | Photographer Anthony “Truth” Gary Image 8, 9, 12 & 15 | Photographer Celestina Aleobua Image 10 | Photographer Elton Luz
