Naïka interview: ‘I wanted to create a space for people who don’t feel they belong anywhere’

Naïka interview: Through Music and Multicultural Identity Traveloasisspot.com – Naïka has an undeniable passion for coffee, often joking that she has

Naïka: Finding Belonging Through Music and Multicultural Identity

Traveloasisspot.com – Naïka has an undeniable passion for coffee, often joking that she has been consuming the beverage since before she learned to walk. Yet on this particular day, she is adhering strictly to matcha. “Coffee isn’t good for my voice,” she explains, her voice barely rising above a whisper. The singer is conserving her vocal energy for tonight’s performance, where she will headline the Summer Series at Somerset House. “I can’t wait,” declares the emerging music sensation. “It’s going to be fun. I’ve heard amazing things about this festival.”

A Performance Rooted in Authenticity

At thirty years old, Naïka has perfected her pre-show rituals. Steaming her vocal cords and fitting in a workout have become essential parts of her preparation. Since the February release of her debut album, ECLESIA, she has been on the road consistently. “I wanted to introduce myself to the world with this project,” she reflects. “I wanted to show all parts of me and travel to different places.”

Her search for identity permeates every aspect of her artistic expression. Describing herself as culturally Haitian with Middle Eastern ancestry, Naïka spent her formative years constantly relocating. Her father’s career in renewable energy meant the family moved every two or three years, establishing homes across the Caribbean, Kenya, France, and Vanuatu. “I never knew what box to put myself into,” she recalls. “So with my music, I wanted to create a space for people who don’t feel like they fully belong anywhere.”

Language and Musical Fusion

Naïka’s musical output reflects her multilingual heritage. She performs in English, French, and Haitian Creole, incorporating diverse musical influences into her work. “I want to make art that reflects who I am authentically,” she states. “I speak multiple languages; that’s how I communicate with my friends. It makes sense for me to express myself like that in my music.”

For years, her multicultural background presented challenges rather than opportunities. “I was told many times it is not linear enough or it’s not marketable enough,” she admits. However, maturity has brought acceptance. “I tell myself I belong to myself,” she says confidently. “So many people identify with this idea of a layered identity. I’ve found a community within that.”

Songwriting as Self-Discovery

Music has always served as Naïka’s method of processing life. As a young child, her mother would play songs to encourage her to eat or sleep. Today, melodies flow through her mind constantly. “I write everywhere; I’ll be in the shower and they’ll come to me,” she shares. “I’ll get out and get the whole bathroom floor wet.”

Making a deliberate choice, Naïka has built her career independently, without the backing of a record label. “It has been really challenging, but it’s brought me a lot of confidence in myself,” she notes. She acknowledges that relaxation remains elusive. “I find it hard to switch off,” she confesses. Nevertheless, she feels her journey is unfolding exactly as envisioned. “Yeah, if you’d asked a younger me, she knew we’d be here.”

“I never knew what box to put myself into. So I wanted to create a space for people who don’t feel they belong anywhere.”

“I want to make art that reflects who I am authentically. I speak multiple languages; that’s how I communicate with my friends. It makes sense for me to express myself like that in my music.”

“I tell myself I belong to myself,” she says. “So many people identify with this idea of a layered identity. I’ve found a community within that.”