Imagine. Even the Palace can't keep a black woman safe from the perpetual disrespect of the …
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Visa Saga
It is with a sickening pit in my stomach that I have to say that my trip to Nigeria (for which this …
Ngaio Anyia
Writer, thinker, adventurer
What Glass Ceiling?!
Writer / Thinker / Adventurer
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I couldn't have asked for a better person to work on the completion of NGAIO EP Launch : We Fly with than @blakemorsi who understands the songs and the meanings behind the music down to the ground. I first met Emma years ago when she was running @nctrnlmag - her own magazine - and is an absolute force to be reckoned with.
Here's what she had to say about Blackbird... "As a multi-disciplinary arts producer, do you know how many times I've been in creative spaces and not seen myself? It felt incredible to take up space in an establishment that was NOT designed, nor ready, for a group of unapologetically strong black women. Being in a room full of the most awe-inspiring, HILARIOUS, stunning women from all over the continent dressed in their native attire was alla the feels. Blackbird celebrates the greatness within and those who came before us – it makes me feel seen, heard and championed, and is a testament to Ngaio's poignant artistry." Talented at whatever thing she lends her hand to, her depth of knowledge and understanding is invaluable. An award-winning multi-disciplinary producer within the arts, music, and fashion tech industries. She is the non-executive director of @risingartsagency and recently completed a year placement as @puma Global Creative Direction & Design intern in Nürnberg, Germany. Emma was nominated for the 2018 Tab Futures 100 Influential Women @ UK Universities following her time as the founding editor-in-chief of Nocturnal, an interactive magazine using the Arts to creatively address and share first person stories on social issues. As the former Lifestyle assistant editor for @galdem , she now writes in a freelance capacity. In 2017, Emma was also awarded the CCSkills Apprentice Of The Year for her work with Bristol's first womxn record label, Saffron Womxn. Check her out if you don't know her already! emmablakemorsi.co.uk | @blakemorsi
One of the things I'm happiest about with Blackbird is that it's introduced me to so many wonderful new people. Dr Acomo Oloya walked in dressed to the nines and took everyone's breath away. When I look back at the pictures, her smile in each one fills me with warmth, I didn't even know what she'd accomplished until I read her outstanding bio!
Dr Acomo Oloya was born the 8th of eleven children and grew up on a commercial farm in Pamin-Yai, Northern Uganda. She planted maize, looked after cattle, and cooked and cared for her siblings. She loved music, dancing and sang in the school choir. She loved to read in the middle of the night, wasting her mother’s paraffin, or hiding at the top of a tree in the day. As a refugee she came to England in ’88, a single mum in a very strange place with tasteless food. She advocated for those with HIV and stood up for their rights. Her work has always been fighting inequality, social exclusion and discrimination among the vulnerable and disadvantaged in the UK and Africa. She took a Master’s in Public Health and then a doctorate in Social Science (Policy Studies). Thank you so much for being a part of the day Acomo Lovelock and for everything you've done 🖤✊🏿
I love this picture so much 😂😂 My girl in her natural habitat, a huge belated Happy Birthday to this gem @josiegdesign !!! This multi talented, multi faceted, utterly fantastic Queen has been working away on equality and diversity behind the scenes for a good few years now and since leaving university has had all the fingers in all the thoughtful, creative pies.
Working with me as part of the @artofinclusionbristol team she also now works at @knowlewestmedia as a Creative Producer as well as dominating as part of the bad gyal Shade dancing troupe. AND she is a marketing, designing, conceptualising extraordinaire.
A woman after my own heart with fingers in never ending pies and a smile that makes you want to sit and cackle for hours, it was such a pleasure to have you as part of the day Josephine Abena 💖
Here's what she had to say about Blackbird!
There's so much I wish you could've been here for this year. 3 years go by so fast. We miss you Zana 🖤
My big sister
Twin sister to look at
You know the nurse thought I was older than you
If you were awake you would have laughed
I did, on your behalf
But the sound was hollow and rude.
This version of you wont be the face of my memories
I'll remember you the way that you should be
Vibrant and proud
unapologetically loud
Standing tall and bold above me.
Walking with your head high,
I never saw you cry until that first time
When the pain was too much
Realising we'd run out the clock
And time was no longer on our side.
My big, bold, beautiful sister
You make me walk taller every day
I'll always have needed you longer
But the time we had bonded us stronger
Than we were yesterday
#BehindBlackbird
Spotlight #4 is this sassy ball of flames @lara_2l a chemistry #LGBT+ postgraduate student in Bristol who is passionate about improving the lives of BAME people around the city.
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I first met her when introduced to the wonderful collective @kiki_bristol who Lara works with who have been so welcoming and supportive over the last year. The work they do around the city is incredible. Lara also works with @wethecurious_ and various other organisations to bring about positive change for people of colour from all walks of life.
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Just look at that SMILE!!! 😁 This one is the true definition of 'smart women twerk too'. Pure vibes and such a magnetic energy. Beautiful inside and out 🔥
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📸 @charleywilliamsphoto .
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#blackbird #wefly #queens #blackhistorymonth #ourstory #herstory #melaninmagic #blackgirlmagic #blackgirlconvention #ngaio #ep #eplaunch #bristol #underground #music #spokenword #afro #journey
It's #mentalhealthawareness day and although so many wonderful things are happening at the moment, I'd be a hypocrite to champion speaking out when you're down and not admit how hard things have been recently.
I don't know how to disconnect my music from my emotions, all the lyrics I sing come from somewhere real which I'm happy about but it can sometimes feel like setting yourself up to be consistently triggered.
I got my masters back for my EP yesterday and they sound so good, I'm so so happy...but at the same time it broke my heart a little. It's important for me to share the downs as well as the ups so I wrote about it and sang about it 👉🏽
www.ngaioanyia.com/growing-with-grief
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📸 @charleywilliamsphoto
#BehindBlackbird #Spotlight 3 - @mystic.magpie 😍
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I first met Ida @caribbeancroft (which I love, you should go if you haven't already) and was bowled over by how quiet her beauty. In my line of work and being who I am, Looks Are LOUD. But not with Ida. She is stunningly silent and I'm not sure she's aware of her presence.
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It was so interesting editing back these videos and hearing what she had to say because it almost confirmed why I felt the need to film #Blackbird @theartsmansion because I too have never felt comfortable in mansion houses. I too grew up where there was very little representation in the spaces I was taken into and it led me all the way to insecurity.
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Having people around who look like us, in all differing shapes and sizes, is a necessity. It helps us to see ourselves in a community and its infinite beauty. Thank you for being so honest Ida and sharing your beauty with us 🖤💖🖤
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📸 @charleywilliamsphoto .
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#blackbird #wefly #queens #blackhistorymonth #ourstory #herstory #melaninmagic #blackgirlmagic #blackgirlconvention #ngaio #ep #eplaunch #bristol #underground #music #spokenword #afro #journey
Second Spotlight! Meet @whitezinty who trekked all the way from #Gloucester to come and be in my music video after seeing the shout out shared by @r7gin 🤗
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Never met her before and she was one of the first to arrive, like a huge ball of positive energy! As soon as she walked in looking like the #Queen she is I was so happy to have put the shout out. .
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I love this picture so much, seeing Zinty in those prints with her shoes off looking so relaxed. It shouldn't be strange to feel comfortable wearing clothes that make you feel amazing but it can be. Taking up space is the first step, feeling comfortable in it is a whole other story...
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So thank you Zinty for coming all they way from Gloucester and being a part of the day despite not knowing what you were being part of!
Here's what she had to say...#BehindBlackbird
📸 @charleywilliamsphoto
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#blackbird #wefly #queens #blackhistorymonth #ourstory #herstory #melaninmagic #blackgirlmagic #blackgirlconvention #ngaio #ep #eplaunch #bristol #underground #music #spokenword #afro #journey
#BehindBlackbird : This month I'm going to be spotlighting all the amazing people behind #Blackbird - the song and the music video - in celebration of #BlackHistoryMonth and in the lead up to the launch of #WeFly on @saffronrecords (Nov 1st party @locoklub - ticket link in bio).
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The first Queen to celebrate had to be my mum, Hen. Believe she did not want to be the first and she hates being on camera (apple fell far from that tree 😅) but she had to be because she taught me everything I know. Every lesson in black history, inequality, intersectionality, feminism, knowing your worth and using your voice came from her.
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My mixed race journey is travelled by both of us and I am so grateful to have someone willing to challenge, unpick behaviours and analyse experiences with me so I can make sense of them. From small minds in rural Wales to cultural top trumps in Bristol and each microaggression (and magro aggression) inbetween she has always been there to talk it through and lift me up.
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I would not have the courage to speak the way I do or be as open as I am if I didn't have her beside me. We've been through so much together and she absolutely is my best friend (she hates it when I say that) my navigator and my rock. Every track on #WeFly was initially developed with her starting with #Blackbird .
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So here's to my mum, the Queeniest Queen in my life, and what she had to say about it 📲 (swipe!)
Last night was my last in the studio putting the final touches onto the EP which just a few weeks ago felt impossible. It has been an experience for sure!
Looking back at the pictures from the music video day I decided what my EP was going to be called. After a month of having no idea, one day it became clear. Between #Blackbird, this journey, having my Queens around me and seeing the much-needed conversation around the black female experience being had openly so we're all able to support each other I kept thinking...look at us flying. Raising above others low expections and unhelpful narratives, taking control of our lives and reaching for our dreams. #WeFly
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So that's the name and this month (coincidentally Black History Month) I'm going to be spotlighting all the people behind Blackbird, the EP and this journey with a snippet of each track from #WeFly landing every Friday until... THE LAUNCH!!! .
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November 1st, come and celebrate with me. I'll be playing all the tracks from We Fly for the first time following an interview and Q&A with myself hostwd by @nessamariaw .
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There will, of COURSE, be sets from your favourite @bootybassdj throughout also. Tickets available via Headfirst (link in my bio) - please spread the word to all the Queens you know. Together #WeFly
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📸 @charleywilliamsphoto // make up @leannejxxxx
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#blackbird #wefly #queens #blackhistorymonth #ourstory #herstory #melaninmagic #blackgirlmagic #blackgirlconvention #ngaio #ep #eplaunch #bristol #underground #music #spokenword #afro #journey
**New Blog Post on ngaioanyia.com - We Are Meghan** (& slide for #BlackMadonna acapella)
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I know I'm not the only person who felt some kind of way when I first saw this picture. To see an interracial couple in the Palace showed true representation of the social landscape we are currently living in.
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The mixed race population is one of the fastest (if not the fastest) expanding races worldwide. And yet even the Palace couldn't protect a black woman from the perpetual disrespect of the ignorant. Even when silent we are not safe. Even when we try to look past it, they come harder. The second a word is muttered you are turned into an aggressor and it's not only you who suffers. It's the people around you who know who you are and what you stand for. Who see past your skin colour to the person you are inside and judge you on that alone.
Thank you Duke and Duchess of Sussex for writing the letter and being brave enough to take a stand and speak your truth. The time for being silent is over - complacency is not satisfactory. When we stick together and speak for each other; We Fly.
On a happier note I've been nominated as Best DJ by the @mogulmindedgroup 😱😱 voting is open now via the website.
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Gonna be playing a triumphant set this Sunday up North on @nts_radio for the @djlzmcr show 😁😁
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It's raining like a bitch so I'll be drawing for the heaters in the mix for 30 mins...and probs chatting some breeze 💨 Tune in Manchester pals!
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📸 @sarahkleinartist
For everyone who's been asking about the music video...I've postee an update: www.ngaiomusic.com/music-video-update
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I am so incredibly disappointed that it's come to this and was wishing there would be a different outcome but I've been updated that Magnus Magugu from Tab Media has deleted all my footage out of spite despite being paid. Trying to salvage the mess that was sent over but it will take a while. .
I couldn't have imagined a worse experience. This will be rectified eventually but until then, I want to publically apologize to everyone who donated their time to be a part of this video.
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If you see anything on his socials regarding his 'work' on the video, please know he does not have permission in any way shape or form.
Feels like I've come out the other side of a total whirlwind! I hadn't let myself realise quite how nervous I was about releasing #Blackbird and now it's out I feel lighter.
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I've never been able to write music that doesn't come from the heart but it can make you feel vulnerable. The whole weekend I've been bursting into happy tears, so utterly relieved.
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I can't wait to share the EP now but til then take a listen to #Blackbird and let me know what you think. Streaming now via the bio link & on @saffronrecords 🧡
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Huge shout outs to @leannejxxxx who did this gorgeous make up and @charleywilliamsphoto on 📸
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#blackbird #blackgirlmagic #female #empowered #femaleempowerment #political #politicalmusic #longform #felakuti #portisthead #african #triphop #mixedrace #mixedculture #dualheritage #harmony #singer #vocalist #black #british #blackbritish
"If a Blackbird falls out of the sky, did we lie?"
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I knew I wanted the cover of this single to be drawn by the incredible @jasmineshanice123 from the second I met with her at @arnolfiniarts and fell into the mixed race conversation.
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It's one that is never far from the surface and runs deeply through common stories and mutual experiences.
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I've been a fan of Jazz's work for a long time and it was important to me to have a black woman design this. She's gone beyond the brief with this illustration, it's perfect.
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From the beautiful facial detail to the splash of colour to the birds. I described them as wanting to nod to #banksy - who I respect so highly for the way he makes social commentary and impact through art.
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When I woke up on Thursday and saw this picture on Spotify I wasn't only ecstatic to see my song on there but also to see Jazz and the immense beauty and talent from our community up there.
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So thank you @jasmineshanice123 for being a part of #Blackbird and this journey. If you haven't checked out her stuff yet, make sure you do! As well as the single of course which is out now on @saffronrecords - http://smarturl.it/ngaioblackbird
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#blackbird #blackgirlmagic #female #empowered #femaleempowerment #political #politicalmusic #longform #felakuti #portisthead #african #triphop #mixedrace #mixedculture #dualheritage #harmony #singer #vocalist #black #british #blackbritish #illustration #art #politicart #banksy
Every day we fly 🕊 #Blackbird .
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I cannot express the feeling of getting this song out of me. It's been years in the making. Years of feeling confused, lost and silenced. .
I wrote Blackbird for the young brown girl in rural Wales who couldn't scrub the black off enough to be respected by her peers. .
I wrote it for every black woman who's been assertive and labelled aggressive. .
For every time we were made to forget that everyday we wake up we are Queens with every right to be in every room with our voices heard and respected. Every. Day. We. Fly.
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Link in bio for a bit more of a #blackbird breakdown #wefly
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📸 @charleywilliamsphoto Make up: @leannejxxxx
@saffronrecords @rbma @coach_house_studio @abomic_tom
@tastylopez @desthedrummer @bongosanpercussion @karennyamekg I can't thank you enough .
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#blackbird #blackgirlmagic #female #empowered #femaleempowerment #political #politicalmusic #longform #felakuti #portisthead #african #triphop #mixedrace #mixedculture #dualheritage #harmony #singer #vocalist #black #british #blackbritish
***SINGLE PREMIERE*** #blackbird released on @saffronrecords streaming now on @bristol247 .
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This song means so much to me. I'm on full blown promo today, tomorrow it'll be all the emosh posts once the adrenalin as died down! Thank you to everyone who's listened so far. Please tag and share at will #werise 🖤🖤🖤
📸 @charleywilliamsphoto
Make up: @leannejxxxx
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Endless love to @saffronrecords @rbma @coach_house_studio @abomic_tom
@tastylopez @desthedrummer @bongosanpercussion @karennyamekg for making this happen.
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#blackbird #blackgirlmagic #female #empowered #femaleempowerment #political #politicalmusic #longform #felakuti #portisthead #african #triphop #mixedrace #mixedculture #dualheritage #harmony #singer #vocalist #black #british #blackbritish
***SINGLE PREMIERE*** #Blackbird streaming exclusively on @bristol247 now
#Blackbird OUT NOW on @saffronrecords - Premiering on @bristol247 📸 @charleywilliamsphoto
Make up @leannejxxxx
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I love this photo so much, been waiting to share it for ages. Captures the elegance and strength of this track. Thank you Charley and Leanne 🖤
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#blackbird #blackgirlmagic #female #empowered #femaleempowerment #political #politicalmusic #longform #felakuti #portisthead #african #triphop #mixedrace #mixedculture #dualheritage #harmony #singer #vocalist #black #british #blackbritish
www.ngaiomusic.com/the-beginning-of-blackbird