Nnabu delivers R&B-tinged Afropop romance on “My Word”

The Bronx-born artist shared the latest single from his upcoming album, Modern Age.

August 27, 2020
Nnabu delivers R&B-tinged Afropop romance on “My Word” Photo: Ethan White.  

Nnabu may be far removed from the Lagos and London epicenters of the Afropop scene, but the Nigerian-American artist has found his own musical pocket between his dual identities. Today, the singer drops his single "My Word," an R&B-tinged ode to the promises we make and keep.

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“It’s about making a promise to my soulmate because I’m in this space where I’m working and finding myself," he told FADER about the song. "Basically, telling her to 'just wait,' and the chorus is saying 'hold on' in Igbo."

With an album, Modern Age, due later this year, Nnabu's sound has evolved from strictly R&B to carefully incorporating more elements of Afrobeats into his sonic palate. "I have broad influences, and I turned away from Afrobeats at first but then my sound just started expanding," he explained. "I grew up in the Bronx, so I grew up on Hip Hop, R&B, and that storytelling element, but I’ve finally become comfortable just embracing both sides. That definitely makes a difference."

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Listen to the "My Word" below.

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Nnabu delivers R&B-tinged Afropop romance on “My Word”