HEAR THIS: Nneka

Now is the time to catch up with Nneka Egbuna, the Nigerian songstress known simply as Nneka. She is currently based in Germany, and recently wrapped up a US Tour in honor of her new LP, Soul Is Heavy. With guest spots from Black Thought and Ms. Dynamite, this looks to be the one crossing her over here in the States. She mixes the forthrightness of Lauryn Hill or Erykah Badu with the vision of Marley, and has a command of styles across the spectrum of hip-hop, reggae, and soul. What could be a trainwreck in others’ hands is brought under control by her singular presence. Listen here to the stirring first single “My Home”: