Photo Credit to JNR Photography
SixSaidIt is one of those artists who is so classic, yet so advanced in the world of music. The adventurous artist talked to Beyond The Stage about her journey around the globe and how she immerses herself in every sector of the world with her music, style and inherent intuitiveness to culture.
She debuted with her first album Outside back in 2020, but music has always been a part of her life.
“One of my earliest memories was taking my uncle’s camcorder back to his flat and trying to make home music video to one of his songs when I was like five.”
SixSaidIt described how living in Nigeria impacted her realm of music and inspirations from an early age, and how she finally got the courage to show off her skills just a year before her first album was released.
“From watching music videos on the TV, listening to Afrobeats CD mixes brought back from Nigeria and being surrounded by posters and blown up pictures of hip-hop legends like Eve, Snoop Dog and 50 Cent, I was always surrounded by it. Later on, I went on to learn how to play cello, bass, sing in school musicals, buss splits in African hall parties and then, eventually, write my own raps that I kept secret for years until a random night in 2019.”
The multi-cultural artist moved to Atlanta when she was just 14 years old, which came as a complete culture shock.
“I was constantly figuring out how to assimilate to three very different spaces. In the UK I wasn’t British enough, in Nigeria I wasn’t Nigerian enough and then in the States I wasn’t American enough.”
Moving to the states was difficult in more than one way, especially in regards to finding a place for her music.
“Deciding to start my career in America has been interesting because until recently, there hasn’t been a lot of space made for world music, especially in the hip-hop scene.”
SixSaidIt used these new and uncomfortable experiences to her advantage, however. Part of her unique sound comes from feelings of not fitting in to one particular space in life. Despite being told to fit into the mold of what an artist should be, she went against odds and chose her own sound.
“Although initially I had a lot of doubts on how people would receive me and my music being “all over the place”, I now embrace it. It’s even cooler to see all of the different people from different walks of life vibe to me and discover sounds they might’ve not initially listened to.”
Western culture has also had influence on the vibrant artist’s style not only in her music, but also her recognizable fashion.
“I was a huge Bratz fan vs Barbie and that should pretty much sum it up. Outside of that, I spent an incredible amount of time watching shows like ‘Sex and the City’, ‘Ugly Betty’ and ‘The Nanny’ growing up, which also had a heavy influence on my style. Now that I’m older, I look a lot to black fashion creators like Fisayo Longue, Melissa from Melissa’s Wardrobe, Mikai and my best friends Sandra and Zoe.”
Even after creating an entirely new life for herself, the hip-hop artist is always sure to connect to her roots within her music.
“Nigeria is my favorite thing/place to write about. There’s no place in the world like it, and my experiences there vary so much. It is a home to Black beauty, brains and bravado, and it’s also the turn up capital of the world. However, along with its positives, it also has its weaknesses. The pain, betrayal and sometimes even disappointment that also lives there, tells a tremendous story of resilience, bravery and excellence, which are all great ingredients for art and expression.”
Similarly to her debut album Outside, her album Outside II coming October 6 is SixSaidIt’s introduction to the world, but as her new self. She has experienced many transitions throughout her life and has made sure to shed light on these transformations.
“Outside was me introducing everyone to who I am and shining a light on the sounds and influences of the places I’m from, while Outside II is more of a ‘this is who I am, and what about it?’ I decided to be more unapologetic and really step into my cosmopolitan background.”
The artist shows off her undeniable confidence in her new single and anthem to all women from all different cultures “Choosey” and its accompanying music video.
“After hearing ‘Girls Need Love’ by Summer Walker, I felt like we needed more of that – reminding everyone that we can have options, too! Being able to sprinkle in my little references from the UK, America and Nigeria was what really made it mine, but also made it an anthem for all of my ‘Choosey’ lovers around the world.”
SixSaidIt hopes to not only inspire, but also expose people from all around the world to new and unique experiences, just as she had as a young girl. That is what truly helps people grow, she says.
“I made Outside II with the intention of it to be heard in every nook and cranny of the world, and so I hope it does just that. I want people to experience music the way I did growing up. I’d like to blur the lines of what can be played where and who can listen to what.”
She is always changing but never fails to remember where she is from. She is a role model for anyone experiencing changes, and teaches us how the world really is our oyster.
“Just show up and let God do the rest. It truly doesn’t matter how anyone perceives you or even how you might perceive yourself. If you just give yourself the chance to be you despite it all, anything can happen beyond your wildest dreams.”
Stream “Choosey” here.
Pre-save Outside II here.
Follow SixSaidIt on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
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