Burna Boy's sister, Nissi tells Pulse about growing up, making music and more

On some days, she is a Mechanical Engineer who also studied Design at Warwick University, UK. Other times, she is the fine art, creative digital design, animation, philanthropy, dance afficionado with an undying love for popcorn. As a teenager, she attended Corona Secondary School, Lagos, and then The Royal High School, Bath, UK.

When asked why certain people did not know about her for a long time, she simply replied, "In many ways I have always kept my artistry separate from his but a true Burnaboy fan ought to have known me before now. My siblings and I are very close."

Her other sibling is sister, Ronami Ogulu. She is a stylist who manages her brother, Burna Boy's wardrobe for public appearances, performances and tour dates. Their mum is Bose 'Mama Burna' Ogulu who plays 'mum-ager' to her children and presumably manages their business interests as well.

Their maternal grandfather is Benson Idonije, a one-time manager to Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. When asked if Nissi feels any pressure to live up to these lofty standards, she replies, "None at all."

Right now, she is signed to Spaceship Entertainment, the label owned by her brother, Burna Boy and run by her family. She chats with Pulse thus;

Pulse: Your Mom, Brother and Sister are in entertainment. Was the family highly creative when you guys were growing up?

Nissi: My brother and I were always big on art and music while my sister always had a fantastic eye for fashion. My mom has always been an impeccable businesswoman so it seems life just kind of made it all work together.

Pulse: You’re trying to start a movement with NissiNation, what would you say the movement is about?

Nissi: The movement is about empowering people. I want to see more people who think and act differently in a way that creates a better balance for society. I want to see people be any and everything they want to be especially women, it’s about changing the narrative, encouraging all to live on their own terms.

Pulse: When did you start making music?

Nissi: I started playing the piano when I was 5 years old and started singing a few years after, I was probably 9. Didn’t have my first experience recording a track until I was 13 though.

Pulse: When did you realize music would be your career?

Nissi: I sort of always knew it’ll be a huge part of who I was but the idea that it’ll potentially be a career was likely when I was in year 11.

Pulse; There are four years between ‘Criminal’ and ‘Toronto’/’Trouble.’ You were recording in-between it all. Why the need to push and concerted promotional effort now?

Nissi: Between those two records 'Over Here,' 'Undercover and 'Favourite List' were released. I have come to understand time as a currency and It’s what I’ve spent cultivating and creating the sound that is true to “Nissi”. It’s an ongoing process but I am happy with what I’ve created.

Pulse: Describe your sound in three words?

Nissi: Soul, Afro-Jazz, Dance

Pulse: Your music carries momentous sensuality. What do you hope your music portrays?

Nissi: Deep reflections about life, love and society delivered in a package that makes my message easier to assimilate which for me comes out in sensual storytelling.

Beneath it all the music really pushes a consciousness of self and social awareness and that’s what I want, It’s why I released a song called “Pay Attention” a few years ago, that song remains relevant to this day.

I want my music to remind people to stay positive, get through tough times and live life to the fullest.

Pulse: My favourite song by you is ‘Pay Attention.’ You excelled better on a more methodical beat than the breakneck pop. Do you think you could make more of those slower methodical songs?

Nissi: Oh Yes, for sure. My sound is non-conformist. It’s like a diary of experiences and emotions. Sometimes, you’ll get up-tempo, sometimes, mid-tempo and other times, slow-tempo.

The thing with me is that I enjoy the creation process very much, so I have a lot of music that I really look forward to sharing with people in order to give a better understanding of who I am as an artist. I’m psyched for that discovery to start with my upcoming EP as an appetiser

Pulse: You performed at your first showcase recently. For a lot of people, performing is the hardest part of artistry. But with you, you have the right energy - at least better than a lot of others. How did you harness that part of your artistry so early?

Nissi: From the first time I hit the stage, it was somewhere I felt totally free to fully be myself and not hold back. Performing to a live audience is like having a booze-filled conversation on a Saturday night with your very best friends. The energy is very different, and I love it!

Pulse: What’s your favorite thing about being an artist?

Nissi: Having my music resonate with people. There’s no better feeling.

Pulse: Are you managed by ‘Mama Burna’ too?

Nissi: (Laughs) I laugh everytime I hear my mother being called 'Mama Burna.'

Yes, She has always been my manager, though. I wonder how many people will call her Mama Nissi now.

Pulse: What’s the best thing about having a Grammy-nominated global superstar brother?

Nissi: That one of my favourite humans on the planet is living his dream and I’m there to witness it.

Pulse: What’s the worst thing about having a Grammy-nominated global superstar brother?

Nissi: The assumptions

Pulse: What does 2020 hold for Nissi? (Your total breakdown)

Nissi: 2020 has so far been a rather interesting year. God-willing, we’re already looking at a minimum of 2 music projects, live shows, collaborations and lots of Art!

Nissi: How can fans reach you on social media?

Twitter: @nissination

Instagram: @nissination

Facebook: @nissination

Tik Tok: @nissination

Snapchat: @nissio