Ahead of NSS Academy's artist showcase event at Northern Sound System next weekend, we got to know a few of the musicians taking part in the First Nations and multicultural artist development program.

Earlier this year, CityMag was witness to the fruits of the inaugural NSS Academy.

We attended performances at WOMAD from two of the musical development program’s 2021 alumni, Sonz of Serpent and Elsy Wameyo.

Although hip-hop three-piece Sonz of Serpent were billed (excruciatingly) at the same time as national treasure Paul Kelly, they drew a decent crowd, all of whom bopped their heads to tracks from 34 Minutes on the Northside, their love letter to the northern suburbs.

We also saw the electric Elsy Wameyo, who was riding the success of her debut EP Nilotic – an electronic, hip-hop-infused ode to her Kenyan identity – and packed out her parcel of the Botanic Gardens. It was a struggle to dance, so packed was the mosh pit.

NSS Academy, which is a collaboration between WOMADelaide and Northern Sound System, returned in 2022, and it’s with great excitement we introduce to you the initiative’s latest crop of up-and-coming musicians.

While you’ll see some at WOMAD next year, the artists are playing a free show at the northern musical hit factory NSS next weekend.

Below is but a sample of the musicians on the bill, whose dynamic sounds span RnB to afro-pop, hailing from hometowns as disparate as Aldinga Beach and Sierra Leone.

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LAITSI

Who are you and where are you from?
My name is LAITSI (pronounced light-see). I am a musical rap artist from Malawi, south-eastern Africa, but now based in Adelaide, South Australia, on Kaurna Land.

Where do you usually make music?
I usually make all my music in my bedroom studio. I find this easier as I have the freedom and it improves the flow.

What does your music sound like?
My music has that up-and-coming unique sound of hip-hop/rap. Pretty gentle and yet so powerful. With my sultry vocals and embodied heritage, I deliver deep house, trap, rap, and hip-hop and pop-inspired bangers.

What are your live shows like?
They deliver an upbeat energy and vigour unmatched, which gets a crowd pumping at any club or festival.

What should people expect from this upcoming WOMAD x NSS gig?
People should expect magic and history to be made on this multi-genre night of music.

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TAIAHA

Who are you and where are you from?
My name is Taiaha and I am a hip-hop artist from Aldinga Beach. I grew up on Bob Marley and folk music, and these influences shine through.

Where do you usually make music?
I often write in the car on the way to work, humming tunes as I do mundane tasks. I also frequent different professional studio setups. However, the magic happens in my home bedroom studio early in the morning before my children are awake.

What does your music sound like?
My music sounds like a rapper with a guitar from the country. I love the rawness, power and strength of traditional hip-hop sounds, but I use them to express exactly who I am and what I believe in. Although it isn’t the Bronx, it is still a voice for the disenfranchised; a voice for the people.

What are your live shows like?
A Taiaha show is full of energy. Often including a live band, the show’s energy is infectious and holds space for people who aren’t necessarily hardcore rap fans. They leave understanding and thoroughly enjoying the performance.

What should people expect from this upcoming WOMAD x NSS show?
Please expect the cleanest, honest and raw Taiaha there has ever been, just coming off a Muay Thai bout and a whole change of lifestyle. I have refined my live set to still include all the energy and real talk without the weight and the baggage. Still political and storytelling but with a clean edge that is easy to listen to. Hip hop from the soul. Straight from the heart. With a band of musicians of the highest calibre. This is a show not to be missed!

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ELIZABETH RUYI

Who are you and where are you from?
My name is Elizabeth Ruyi and I am a Malaysian Chinese woman born and raised in Australia.

Where do you usually make music?
I usually make music in my home with my guitar or piano.

What does your music sound like?
My music is pop/RnB with a chill and groovy vibe.

What are your live shows like?
My live shows are all about connecting with the audience through my stories, with moments of deep emotion as well.

There are also moments that will make you want to groove along to the music.

What should people expect from this upcoming WOMAD x NSS show?
An incredible show with a huge lineup of diverse and wonderfully talented artists.

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KEITH KUGO

Who are you and where are you from?
My name is Keith Kugo and I am a producer and singer from Zimbabwe, living in Adelaide, South Australia.

Where do you usually make music?
I usually make music in my home studio. Recently I have been making tracks in proper studios, which I find to be quite fun as it’s easy to get in the zone.

What does your music sound like?
My music sounds like the future. It’s a blend of electronic music and RnB. I’ve always loved intricate sound design and captivating chord progressions, so I always ensure that my music captivates the ear and takes it into unexplored territory.

What are your live shows like?
My live shows are very performative. I sing whilst playing the keyboard. I love being able to translate the written nuances in my music by adding live improvisation.

What should people expect from this upcoming WOMAD x NSS show?
Expect a very captivating and visual live show. I love taking people on a journey, and this WOMAD x NSS show is the culmination of this world that I’ve been crafting for the better part of two years. Expect your ears and eyes to be captivated.

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WAIKID

Who are you and where are you from?
My name is Francis Murana Wai, but I’m known by the stage name WaiKid. I’m a singer-songwriter from Sierra Leone, West Africa, currently based in Adelaide, South Australia.

Where do you usually make music?
I usually create music wherever I can. Recently I have been creating music with different producers and engineers in their home studios. Also, I’m working with NSS to build up and push my music further.

What does your music sound like?
At a very young age, music has come to me with big inspirations, like Michael Jackson, Tupac, WizKid, Burna, Davido, and recently the likes of Rema. I would love to describe my music as Afro-pop, RnB and soul. I also have the idea not to box myself in one genre as I’m a versatile artist and believe I can do anything.

What are your live shows like?
Since I have been performing in different venues across South Australia, I would simply like to describe my shows in a few words: full of energy, pure love, joy, and positivity.

What should people expect from this upcoming WOMAD x NSS show?
All the people out there, fans, family, and everyone supporting WaiKid should expect the usual WaiKid music, however, this time around, it will be with a live band, which will show how versatile my music can be.

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