“Some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them.” William Shakespeare got it right in talking of ND, a Nigerian RnB sensation based in the Washington, DC., USA. And before the release of his still in work album in August, Nigerianhiphop.net connected with the shooting star and here is what he has to say…

1. Name/Age/Hometown

My name is Nduka Jemie aka “ND”. I’m a 21 year old male from Lagos, Nigeria

2. Who is ND?

I’m an RnB singer, songwriter, and recording artist currently based in Washington, DC., USA

3. Before you got into music, what were you doing?

Before I got into music, I was already into music (laughs).. I’ve been singing since I was about 10 years old… Music ha s always been a very large part of who I am.

4. What brought about the name “ND”?

“ND” comes from the first two letters of my first name Nduka (pronounced: Nn-du-kah)… I actually got that nickname from my mother at a very young age and though I moved around a lot in my youth, the nickname stuck. When I became a vocal artist, I decided it was only natural for me to keep the nickname since most people who know my musical side or have seen me perform in the past already know me as “ND”.

5. How did you get into music?

I’ve been doing the musical thing since I was very young. My extended family has always been very musical. My parents always kept our house FULL of instruments (laughs).. and my curiosity led me to attempt and then master the piano, drums, and bass guitar. Later after coming to the U.S., I was put into music classes and then choir classes.. Before I knew it, I was exposed to the vocal aspect of music. I performed as a soloist at big events at school and although I saw my music as a hobby at the time, I had made a name for myself in the process… and so the journey began..  In retrospect I realize what a blessing it was to have had so much music at my disposal at such a young age. I credit my parents and extended family for that.. It has made me who I am today.  And what labels are you currently signed on and what other corporate body are you working with? I’m currently signed to Spaceman Music and I rep my label 24/7!! We’re currently working with several other corporate entities (whose names I’m not at liberty to disclose) on some HUGE projects!! That’s really all I can say for now. Just stay tuned, you’re in for a major shocker in the near future. If you’re sleeping on Spaceman Music, you better wake up fast before we take your lunch money.

ND – Back To You (Remix)

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Download: ND – Back To You (Remix)

6. What would you call the highlight of your career as an artist?

(Laughs) Wow.. that’s a tough question. First let me say that my career has only just begun. I have accomplished a lot as an artist thus far even though I’ve only officially been in the game for about 2years now. Within the last 9 months, a whole lot of “highlights” have come my way and they’re a blessing. My music is now blazing the radio stations in 4 different countries and counting—something that is still unbelievable to me. More listeners have become fans and those fans have turned their friends into fans (laughs..).. That’s my highlight. That’s the one that’s most important to me.. if my music strikes your soul, I’ve done my part.

7. Words have started flying around that you are putting together an album. Do you care to elaborate on this and tell us the title of the album + when it is likely to be released?

Yeah sure… Yes I am currently working on my freshman album. It’s a number one priority for myself and Spaceman Music at the moment. Look for it to drop around August of this year. The album’s title is coming soon. We want it to really capture the character and attitude of the entire work so we’ve put off titling the album until a majority of the songs have been chosen.  Tell your friends and family and don’t worry, your boy will deliver.

8. Any additional information you would want to let us know about the album? Like which artist(s) is/are going to be on it, plans for listening party e.t.c.

Well about who’s going to be on the album, I really can’t say much but as the launch approaches more info will be released. I don’t want to spoil the surprises. What I will say is that several artists you know and others that you may not know will be on the album. Just stay tuned.
And yes there will definitely be a launch party. We’ll give you more info on that as the launch approaches.

9. Any insight into what the content might look or sound like?

Most def.. so let me tell you a bit about what to expect… DON’T expect the norm… I’m working on an album that will be very different from anything you’ve ever heard in the past, trust me. Having grown up both in Nigeria and in the U.S., my musical taste is very eclectic. This album will give listeners a real taste of who “ND” really is at his core. I don’t see myself as an RnB artist.. I see myself as an International RnB Artist.. and to me that is a big difference. I make international music. And I like to fuse many different genres into one. I have made my name in this industry as an RnB artist and I use RnB as my foundation. However I do believe I’m moving towards a genre that is all-encompassing—I make “World” music… Now of course I am Nigerian to the death and I rep my country every day of my life so this album will reflect that as well. I think you get the gist. It’s gonna be hot.

10. What do you think separates you from other Nigerian artist(s) around at the moment?

(laughs) Before I speak on that let me say that I’m not very boastful by nature. I do speak honestly about things though so please don’t mistaken one for the other… I simply believe that every artist has his or her strengths. Mine is my diverse musical background. Very few Nigerian artists have had the kind of musical experiences I have had. My background is unheard of and unfortunately there’s not enough time in one interview to elaborate to deeply in that topic (laughs).. I’ve relocated more times than I can count on both hands. And this key fact is what allows me to relate to the different musical tendencies of music lovers in each of these separate areas. That is a blessing. I have enough credibility to rock the stage as a Pop, Hip Hop, RnB, Soul, Rock, and reggae artist… How many Nigerian artists can say that??.. (laughs) I’m ME and I’m just here to do what I love—make music. My versatility will become more and more apparent to listeners as time goes on. The music will speak for itself.

11. Who did you listen to growing up? And which artist(s) is/are currently on your playlist as of today?

I listened to artists like Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, Brian McKnight, KC & JoJo, Boyz II Men, and Usher among others. Michael Jackson is of course one of the greatest of all time. A lot of my interest as a performer was inspired by MJ.. As the years passed my musical influences expanded to include many African heavy-weights like Tuface, Wande Cole, ID Cabassa, Terry G., and M.I. as well as European artists like Craig David, Seal, and Taio Cruz and US artists like Akon, Ne-yo, Kanye West, and Drake.

12. Do you have a favorite Nigerian track?

Yes my favorite Naija track at the moment is “Kaju mbe” by Blacko Blaze ft. ID Cabassa.. That track is insane. Great music.

13. You released a track “Bamidele” couple of weeks ago in which you were featured with TNT a sensational upcoming group for that matter. Any possibility that the track will be on your album?

Yes it will be definitely be on the album as a bonus along with one or two other songs I’ve done in the past that fans have really liked. Bamidele has become a big hit. BIG shouts to TNT for the collabo!! Those guys don’t play. That track is the first of probably several songs we’ll collaborate on in the future.

14. What is it like working with Matt Sesoo of the SkunkWerkz?

Matt Sesoo is lyrical a genius…Have I said enough?? (laughs) For those that don’t know, Matt Sesoo is also an artist under Spaceman Music. Honestly one of the best rappers I’ve a chance to work with. He and Roger Rabbit make up the rap duo SkunkWerkz. Together the three of us recently recorded and released “StarStruck” which World Premiered on May 20th. This track is spreading like wild fire in the US. If you haven’t heard it, you should definitely google it.

ND – True Colors (Show yourself) ft. Matt Sesoo

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Download: ND – True Colors (Show yourself) ft. Matt Sesoo

15. And we noticed you have featured Colo Bondz on one of your songs, a veteran when we talk generally about music and according to our findings Colo Bondz has released 10 underground CD’s. Come on ND – you are on your grind what brought about your collaboration with Colo Bondz?

(Laughs…) yeah.. thanks man.. The track we did is called “Red Carpet Remix” by Colo Bondz ft. Matt Sesoo and myself. It’s a HOT remix to his original song “Red Carpet.” Up and down the east in the US and in Nigeria anyone who has heard this jam luvs it. Big, big shouts to Colo Bondz and his manager Ike!!! Those guys are not fooling around. Colo is definitely doing his thing.
I believe we met through our managers. My manager Alaba “Beezy” Onaadepo knew Ike and of course we’re always down to collaborate with other artists on their grind so that’s how the track came to life. If you haven’t heard of Colo definitely look him up on MySpace or Facebook.

Additional Questions

In 3 words describe your fashion style?

Sharp, Clean-cut, and Suave

Any future plans that you care to share with us?

Yes. I have a few BIG shows coming up!! Check out my MySpace Page for more details and stay up-to-date on all my musical releases. Join the Facebook Fan Page and Follow me on Twitter.

Any Shout Outs…?

Most def.! Shout out to the Spaceman camp and all our affiliates globally!!! Shout out to Riz & the Konvict fam, Meaku, Colo Bondz, TNT, Chukky P., and Eno!! We have some of the HOTTEST collabos of Nigerian artists based in the U.S. hands down!! Also a special thanks to ID Onaadepo, Matt Coddy, DJ Mighty Mike, Huey, DJ X-Clusive, Kema, and all our friends, fans, and supporters around the Globe!! Most importantly, I thank God for the many blessings He has showered upon me and my label. There are greater things in store for us.. and if I’ve forgotten anyone, know that you are appreciated. Much thanks. Your support means a lot to me personally. And as always, I’ll continue to “make this music”… One Luv.
((( ND ))) — S p a c e m a n M u s i c —
Email: spacemanmusic2008@gmail.com

Tags: Colo Bondz, Matt Sesoo, ND, Space Man Music