ONE WORD - NAOMI
(Image by Only Idea Studio)
There is something about music that just eases the soul and relaxes the mind and at a time like this music is one thing that can keep us sane from all this covid madness. One name that’s been all over social media and the radio in the past two weeks is just one word – NAOMI. I first met Naomi in 2017 as part of a quartet performing over breakfast at the Uprising Beach Resort where I was the resident blogger. It was a beautiful Sunday morning sharing a breakfast table with mum while listening to the melodious tunes from Naomi and her bandmates. Fast forward four years later and I see the same gorgeous young woman releasing her first debut single with a voice that can be easily recognized as none other than NAOMI.
Titled ‘Nomu Yali’, Naomi was inspired to write this amazing song after losing someone so dear to her. She played on her emotions and grief and created art by penning lyrics from the heart which lead to the birth of ‘Nomu Yali’. Growing up in a house surrounded by music and musicians, she was easily drawn towards the art but didn’t commit so much into singing until she was nine years old. “I grew up in a house that was filled with music”.
The Uluibau, Motoriki Island native attended Ratu Sukua Memorial School, Gospel High School and Dudley High Shchool and admits that she is a little obsessed with everything about Tori Kelly – from her music, her art, her voice to her personality. Naomi was also a part of a group called HeHoNa, which I may add, was a big fan of when they first came out. They were popular on social media and the radio and created some great covers together. I asked Naomi if it was challenging for her to sing solo after HeHoNa and this is what she had to say: “ I have always been a solo singer before I was blessed to come across my HeHoNa family but I enjoy singing and creating art with them more than I do solo. They have always pushed me to be a better vocalist, musician and person in general whether we’re making music together or not.”
As our local music industry grows, so does other issues. The social media campaigns by other musicians regarding piracy and illegal downloads of music have been popular across social media for a couple of weeks now. There were TikTok videos and Facebook LIVE videos by another local artist, Natalie Raikadroka, talking in-depth about the issues the music industry is currently facing regarding the proper downloading of music. This campaign has also led to another discussion on social media concerning proper crediting. I asked Naomi what she thought were some of the challenges the local music industry faces and this is what she had to say:
“One of the most prominent challenges that I know our local music industry suffers from is piracy. I also know that a lot of people are not made aware of the situation so although most have the genuine intention of supporting us, they don’t know how to properly do so without affecting the artists and their ability to survive in this industry.”
While piracy is and has been an ongoing issue in our local music scene, I felt the need to ask Naomi what berries that she hopes to break as an upcoming artist. I personally feel like with so much talent comes an incredible amount of responsibility to your craft and the direction that you want your music to head towards. Naomi:
“One of the main barries I wish to combat is the genre of music that most Fijians listen to. There are a lot of other genres in music that I feel that we still have yet to explore and we need to have a better appreciation for all types of music”.
Naomi plans to release more music in the near future with an album collaborating with three other amazing artists – Taufa, Ratu and Billy T – produced by TROPIC THUNDA and STEE. In between creating an album, Naomi will also have some solo projects that she plans to release soon.
NAOMI’S ADVICE TO OUR READERS: Keep making music, even if you think it doesn’t sound good. You will have to make a thousand and one mistakes to get to perfection. Never give up. It isn’t an easy industry, you just have to have the right mindset, vision and perseverance.
If you haven’t heard ‘NOMU YALI’ by NAOMI, head over to the link below and check out the digital stores to download.
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