Ngaio Anyia

Writer / Thinker / Adventurer

I've been in two minds about whether to share this but it's mental health awareness day and to be …

Continue Reading about Growing with Grief

The Beginning of Blackbird

Inclusion & Diversity, Music

One day to go until #blackbird is in the world... This song has been inside me since I realised …

Continue Reading about The Beginning of Blackbird

The Project of Projection

Journal

There's a weird transition that's been happening in my life at the moment where people have started …

Continue Reading about The Project of Projection

ngaioanyia

1,096 4,189

Musician // @bootybassdj // Writer // Model // Musical Director @basschoir // Inclusion Advocate @artofinclusionbristol // Label @saffronrecords

ngaioanyia

View on Instagram

Nov 14

Link to display lightbox

Instagram post 17862372568561450

#tbt to @sofarsoundsbristol @sofarsounds at @locoklub performing #blackbird 💗

Full video on IGTV/Fb feed - tune into @reprezentradio tomorrow where I'll be talking to @blahzayvanguard about We Fly out now on @saffronrecords 😊
.
#singer #songwriter #mixedrace #spokenword #triphop #blues #jazz #soul #harmony #bass #drums #percussion #african #rhythm #latin #mood #blackgirlmagic #blackpolitics #identity #music ...

22 6

ngaioanyia

View on Instagram

Nov 11

Link to display lightbox

Instagram post 18031782097227341

Looking back through all the pics from the We Fly launch last week and my heart is so full. I can't quite believe this EP has been out for over a week already. You pour so much of yourself into something and then all this nervous, excited energy fizzles over during the performance and then woi...back to life as normal! I'm only just coming back down now, from the night and the launch and the idea that that was both the end and the beginning of a new chapter. .
.
The amount of happiness, love and beauty in these photos is a wonderful snapshot from @todayimbobbi of what the evening was. I'll be surrounding myself with #blackgirlmagic again this weekend for @blackgirlcon where I'll be hosting an open discussion on the #mixedrace experience and a @bootybassdj workshop. Just look at how We Fly!
.
.
#singer #songwriter #mixedrace #spokenword #triphop #blues #jazz #soul #harmony #bass #drums #percussion #african #rhythm #latin #mood #blackgirlmagic #blackpolitics #identity #music ...

81 2

ngaioanyia

View on Instagram

Nov 3

Link to display lightbox

Instagram post 17857671982597279

Wow. Just wow. I think this first picture sums up how I feel about Friday. I am so utterly blown away by the amount of people who came and supported. 150+ of you singing #Blackbird back to me was what the dreams of 9 year old me were made of. .
.
Scroll through for a glimpse of the show. Huge thanks to my mum and Dionne for helping me set up and get everything ready. The band @abomic_tom @tastylopez @desthedrummer @bongosanpercussion who SMASHED it out the park. If you have suggestions of venues you think we should play at across the UK, let me know - 2020 will definitely be seeing more live performances!
.
Hostess with the mostest @nessamariaw who conducted a wicked interview (which will be uploaded as a podcast soon) and then smashed a bad gyal DJ set!
.
My brilliant Booty'ers @bozanna_evans and @devochild who make me forever proud and ridiculously excited with every banger they drop. And the WICKED @theyisgrove who jumped on percussion with @bongosanpercussion when the lights came in cause they're THAT sick.
.
And most importantly thank you to EVERY SINGLE PERSON who came to support and surrounded me with such love and acceptance. People ask me why I'm so open in my music - swipe to see what @samanthalindouk had to say. Because that's why. We are on this journey together and I am so happy and proud to have this diverse community around me.
Thank you Thank you Thank you 🧡🧡🧡
.
#singer #songwriter #mixedrace #spokenword #triphop #blues #jazz #soul #harmony #bass #drums #percussion #african #rhythm #latin #mood #blackgirlmagic #blackpolitics #identity #music ...

144 31

ngaioanyia

View on Instagram

Nov 1

Link to display lightbox

Instagram post 17874946861481390

I'm listening to this on @bandcamp
feeling next level proud of myself, the band and the label @saffronrecords for putting this out. It has been a fucking journey and an intense one at that (http://smarturl.it/NgaioWeFly)
.
Putting out music this personal is in no way easy but I'm glad it's out there. I got this artwork done by the amazing @sophiebass_illustration 2 years ago and I've kept it for this because I KNEW one day I would write something strong enough to behind it.
.
PLEASE let me know which songs you're feeling and why/what your connecting with or if there's any parts you want to talk about.
.
Like #Blackbird I want these songs to be the initiations of conversations. To talk about the things that matter and support each other, navigating through difficult conversations.
.
#singer #songwriter #mixedrace #spokenword #triphop #blues #jazz #soul #harmony #bass #drums #percussion #african #rhythm #latin #mood #blackgirlmagic #blackpolitics #identity #music ...

67 0

ngaioanyia

View on Instagram

Nov 1

Link to display lightbox

Instagram post 17886804484438874

She's out!!!! #WeFly is officially out on all your listening platforms. (Follow smarturl.it/NgaioWeFly )
.
.
There's so much I could say about all these songs but for now I'm going to save it until the live podcast at the launch tonight with @nessamariaw . To say I am proud would be an understatement. I feel like this is the beginning of a new chapter and I'm so ready 💪🏽
.
.
Thank you to everyone who's listened so far (100 streams pre 9am say @spotifyuk 😳 also, don't be thrown by the lack of artwork there, we're looking into it)
.
.
I'm going to be getting ready for the launch now. I'm SO excited to play these songs live for you this evening. First 50 people get a FREE cocktail courtesy of @rbma Ticket link in bio. Thank you @saffronrecords for giving me the opportunity to do this. Together, We Fly 🕊💜
.
.
#singer #songwriter #mixedrace #spokenword #triphop #blues #jazz #soul #harmony #bass #drums #percussion #african #rhythm #latin #mood #blackgirlmagic #blackpolitics #identity #music ...

106 1

ngaioanyia

View on Instagram

Oct 31

Link to display lightbox

Instagram post 17920460101349731

Posts be going out quick like fire today cause MAD MAD MAD MAD MAD...I'm on the front page of November's issue of @bristol247 🙈🙈
.
I've felt sick all month - and it's been a tough month - so for THIS to now be a real life thing that is happening, for We Fly to have put me on the front page of a magazine, is WILD.
.
This music is deeply personal to me and I've been kicking myself (once again) for being so attached to it and for it to mean so much...but it has to. Music connects people; it helps us to see other points of view and experience someone else's reality for a snapshot of time so it has to be honest, it has to be real.
.
I hope all the women and people of colour who see this cover over the next month sees themselves in it because when one of us flies, We all Fly.
.
Thank you Bristol 24/7 and Ellie Pipe for putting my ramblings into an awesome article and teaching me the word Polymath which I'm also now obsessed with 💜💚💜
.
Check out the interview online now and let me know if you see it/pick up a copy!!! Also, buy a ticket to the launch partaaaay tomorrow and get ready to listen to We Fly on @saffronrecords via all awesome musical outlets 😁 (link in bio)
.
📸 @charleywilliamsphoto
Make up : @sittinprettyofficial
Style : #Ghana
.

#bristol #singer #songwriter #spokenword #blackpolitics #blackgirlmagic #jazz #afro #triphop #underground #truth #honest #lyrics #mixedchick #mixedrace #allnatural #african #nigerian #english #feminist #music #journalism ...

228 38

ngaioanyia

View on Instagram

Oct 31

Link to display lightbox

Instagram post 17875853968473220

Meet the BAND!!! 😁😁 It's rare that you put a group of people together that have never met before and they gel as beautifully as this one has. Each member of the band is absolutely fantastic within their own right and I've met them all in totally different circumstances.
.
Laura Noir another multi layered musical vixen, I met her online as @tastylopez. The click was immediate. I find out she has the most beautiful voice AND plays the bass - incredible human.
.
@abomic_tom Tom Hackwell multi instrumentalist and mixing/mastering/sound engineering wonderman at @coach_house_studio is a huge part of the sound of We Fly has been developed with him through hours in the studio - total legend.
.
@desthedrummer I met way back when I was singing with @official_laidblak I love the way Des plays the drums, it is transformative they way he can slip between genres and yet still make everything sound coherent - vibes man.
.
@bongosanpercussion was a standard 'Bristol friends of friends' My music definitely has an afro/trip hop vibe to it and I was also really adamant that I wanted some latin flavour as well so - enter Tony!
.
And last but not least @karennyamekg who can't has also laid down some percussive wonderment on We Fly. She's also remixed one of the tracks from the EP which will be going out on @durkledisco in 2020 .
Cannot thank you all enough for helping me to make my brain thoughts a tangible sound - you're amazing. Can't wait for everyone to hear your excellence on We Fly, out on @saffronrecords tomorrow 💜💫💚 #bristol #music #triphop #afrobeat #felakuti #portishead #jillscott #funk #soul #jazz #blues #band #vocalist #singer #songwriter #mixedrace #journey #blackgirlmagic ...

73 4

ngaioanyia

View on Instagram

Oct 30

Link to display lightbox

Instagram post 18090077086097922

The way I am full blown weeping right now... I have been feeling hella low on confidence and reeeaaalllyy vulnerable thinking about how the EP is going to land. .
I put so much of myself into my music and when it comes to the crunch I feel utterly naked. The last few days I've been worried about the launch (maybe no one will come 😬) the songs (maybe no one will like them) my performance (maybe you'll forget all your words) and then... I read this from @gold_fro 😭
.
.
Feeling settled and at home in my blackness has been such a journey. A journey I feel like I've been on all my life, to feel accepted into a community that I've adored from afar but never been quite confident enough to speak up inside. That's all changed over the last couple of years through the excellent people who have held out a hand, supported and encouraged.
.
If I hadn't had the @kiki_bristol crew raving with me at the plough from the beginnings of @bootybassdj there's no way I'd be as confident as I am now - to take chances and take up space.
.
.
Thank you so much for choosing me as one of your #BlackHistoryMonth people Sharifa, you just put me back together sis 🖤💚🖤 ...

88 6

ngaioanyia

View on Instagram

Oct 28

Link to display lightbox

Instagram post 18077466652089787

***SOUND ON***
The opening track of my EP, We Fly, Hail Mary, was written about using your voice even when it would be easier to be quiet. Taking chances and sparking conversations. My mum is the original Hail Mary; she's always seen difficult conversations as just that - difficult, but not impossible. There have been times I wished she could leave something alone for ease, but she doesn't - she takes a stand for things she believes in and she passed that onto me.
.
.
I love the country, bluegrass blues feel of Hail Mary. When I listen to it, it makes me think of happy defiance and dancing like nobody's watching. Being proud and confident in what you have to say and not being easily silenced. Hail Mary is about upsetting the apple cart when truths are needed, and being allowed to do so. It's about being heard as well as being seen.
.
.
New blog post now up on ngaiomusic.com - we'll be playing this one on Friday @locoklub - ticket link in the bio!
.
.
📸 @charleywilliamsphoto
Lewk: @sittinprettyofficial @ceeceesclosetnyc
#bristol #singer #songwriter #song #songs #vocalist #singersofinstagram #vocalists #music #expression #musical #musician #uk #southwest #jazz #blues #bluegrass country #experimental #soul #soulmusic ...

35 8

ngaioanyia

View on Instagram

Oct 26

Link to display lightbox

Instagram post 17984695663282468

Today I'm looking forward and looking back 3 years ago I put out my first project myself. It felt huge at the time - and it was - but it was easy in comparison to putting out this one! .
I've put so much into the We Fly EP which I'm happy about but it can be hard to measure your growth or success as a creative sometimes.
.
Looking back at the journey I've been on so far as a person and a musician makes me excited to see what comes next 💗
.
Swipe for some jazzy fizzle we're working on for the live show, November 1st #summertime
.
Lewk : @sittinprettyofficial
📸 @charleywilliamsphoto
@ceeceesclosetnyc
.
#bristol #singer #songwriter #song #songs #vocalist #singersofinstagram #vocalists #music #expression #musical #musician #uk #southwest #jazz #hiphop #Blackbird #wefly #experimental #soul #soulmusic ...

110 5

ngaioanyia

View on Instagram

Oct 24

Link to display lightbox

Instagram post 17881431022451272

#BehindBlackbird #Spotlight8 this total, utter legend @devochild I have had in my life for the past year as part of the @bootybassdj and @kiki_bristol crew and she is a true Queen.
.
Not many people see me cry, there are few I feel comfortable and confident enough to see me when I'm not at my best...or pretending to be. She has seen many sides of me and accepted each one with support, love and honesty.
.
Fiercely intelligent, wonderfully complex with a heart that envelopes and supports- thank you for being you @devochild and for joining me at #Blackbird .
Catch her spinning some tunes at the #WeFly #EP #launch November 1st @locoklub 😈 and swipe for what she had to say about the Blackbird shoot 📲 ...

41 3

ngaioanyia

View on Instagram

Oct 18

Link to display lightbox

Instagram post 17920574236343023

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 ...

60 2

ngaioanyia

View on Instagram

Oct 17

Link to display lightbox

Instagram post 18087715777111736

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 🖤✊🏿 ...

76 0

ngaioanyia

View on Instagram

Oct 15

Link to display lightbox

Instagram post 17860262695536106

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! ...

76 5

ngaioanyia

View on Instagram

Oct 14

Link to display lightbox

Instagram post 17849634199630679

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 ...

126 12

ngaioanyia

View on Instagram

Oct 11

Link to display lightbox

Instagram post 17845457815700761

#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.
.
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.
.
.
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 🔥
.
📸 @charleywilliamsphoto .
.
#blackbird #wefly #queens #blackhistorymonth #ourstory #herstory #melaninmagic #blackgirlmagic #blackgirlconvention #ngaio #ep #eplaunch #bristol #underground #music #spokenword #afro #journey ...

77 1

ngaioanyia

View on Instagram

Oct 10

Link to display lightbox

Instagram post 17860712359532036

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
.
.
📸 @charleywilliamsphoto ...

106 7

ngaioanyia

View on Instagram

Oct 9

Link to display lightbox

Instagram post 17925639016323211

#BehindBlackbird #Spotlight 3 - @mystic.magpie 😍
.
.
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.
.
.
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.
.
.
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 🖤💖🖤
.
.
📸 @charleywilliamsphoto .
.
#blackbird #wefly #queens #blackhistorymonth #ourstory #herstory #melaninmagic #blackgirlmagic #blackgirlconvention #ngaio #ep #eplaunch #bristol #underground #music #spokenword #afro #journey ...

67 1

ngaioanyia

View on Instagram

Oct 8

Link to display lightbox

Instagram post 18068484454155932

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 🤗
.
.
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. .
.
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...
.
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
.
.
#blackbird #wefly #queens #blackhistorymonth #ourstory #herstory #melaninmagic #blackgirlmagic #blackgirlconvention #ngaio #ep #eplaunch #bristol #underground #music #spokenword #afro #journey ...

89 10

ngaioanyia

View on Instagram

Oct 7

Link to display lightbox

Instagram post 17865859570499723

#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).
.
.
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.
.
.
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.
.
.
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 .
.
So here's to my mum, the Queeniest Queen in my life, and what she had to say about it 📲 (swipe!) ...

162 16

Load More Follow

We Are Meghan

New Journey

Growing with Grief

The Beginning of Blackbird

The Project of Projection

Summer Too Soon

Special Guest Mix on FlexFM

How Do We Halt Harassment?

ngaioanyia

Writer / Thinker / Adventurer

Main Content

Never Miss an Update!

ngaioanyia