By Rita Okoye
Emerging Nigerian Afro-Pop artist, Nelly Baradi, is making a bold entrance into the music scene with the release of her debut single Wake Up, a soulful, mid-tempo track that marks her official transition from background vocalist to front-and-centre performer.
Born Nelly Toritseju Baradi in Sapele, Delta State, the fast-rising singer has steadily built her career behind the scenes, lending her vocal talent to hit songs by major Afrobeats stars including Timaya, Peruzzi, Mohbad, Seyi Vibez, and Bella Shmurda. Her voice, though previously subtle in harmony, is now stepping into its spotlight.
In an exclusive chat, the Lagos-based singer-songwriter reflects on her early influences.
“I grew up on Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, and Tiwa Savage. I’ve always been drawn to voices and stories that are soft yet bold. My sound lives somewhere between vulnerability and vibe,” she stated.
Baradi’s sound, a blend of Afro-R&B and pop, is shaped by her gospel roots and years of working quietly in Nigeria’s competitive music industry. Moving to Lagos in 2018, she soaked in the city’s pulse and began crafting a style that she says is deeply personal.
“It usually starts with a feeling, sometimes just a phrase. For Wake Up, the spark was the line, ‘All I want is you when I wake up’ — a simple lyric that blossomed into a heartfelt anthem of desire and emotional honesty,” she explained.
Now signed to Troniq Inc., Nelly is ready to tell her own stories. Wake Up is just the beginning of what promises to be a compelling musical journey.
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