British Neo-Jazz singer-songwriter Ni Maxine (hailed as a "Black Woman at The Forefront of the UK Jazz Scene" by Black Ballad), is sparking intergenerational conversations through her music, exploring themes of home, identity, self-esteem, and belonging.
Often compared to Billie Holiday, Sade, and Erykah Badu, her political lyricism and timeless vocals have taken her to the main stages including Liverpool's Africa Oyé, Gilles Peterson's 'We Out Here,' and the EFG London Jazz Festival as well as a BBC Introducing 'highlight' live session, a Manchester Jazz Festival performance broadcast on BBC Radio 3's J to Z, and a live appearance on BBC Radio 4's 'Front Row’.
Her award-winning debut single 'Strange Love,' supported by tastemakers Jamie Cullum (The Jazz Show), YolanDa Brown (Jazz FM), Jamz Supernova, and China Moses (Jazz FM), was played across Jazz FM, Radio 1, 1Xtra, and Selector Radio, marking Ni Maxine as an artist to watch.
Ni Maxine has returned with a new single, a reimagining of ‘God Bless The Child’ and a slew of live performance dates off the back of sold-out live shows.
What initially drew you to music, and how did you decide to pursue it as a career?
Music has always been a huge part of my life, but a career in music isn’t something I really considered until that gap between lockdowns in 2020, if I remember rightly. I went busking to raise some money to pay off a debt and it led to me being offered a residency at the coolest coffee shop and wine bar in Liverpool, Ropes & Twines. I’d invite all of my friends down and I'd sing jazz standards and a handful of Amy Winehouse songs that I loved, with my guitarist, and drink Riesling (I used to drink wine, back then) and it caused a ripple effect because lots of bars and restaurants invited me to sing. It wasn’t long before I started to weave a few original songs into my sets that I’d written in lockdown, and people seemed to like them. I then got to the point, later-on, after pouring my heart out every Sunday to a room full of people who were not listening, that I decided to pursue my career as an artist. I have something to say, and I want people to hear me.
As co-founder of The Wombat Jazz Club, what do you aim to achieve with its monthly events and initiatives like 'The Jazz Project' and 'TOGETHER'?
I always feel selfish when I say this, but I simply wish to create the kind of spaces I needed as a young person, but didn’t have access to! I just want to create spaces where everyone feels welcome and allowed to express themselves, freely. It’s simple! I love jazz music and sometimes feel like it’s been taken out of context, out of the hands of the people it originated with, Black people, and like the idea of saying ‘Hey, Jazz is a Black art form, give it back!’ So yeah, that is the thread that runs through my curation decisions when it comes to programming events for ‘The Wombat Jazz Club’.
How do you balance your roles as a performer, songwriter, and co-founder of The Wombat Jazz Club?
With difficulty, at times, to be honest. I’m writing this through eyes filled with tears. It can be so overwhelming managing all of the logistics for live dates, with session musicians and tight budgets, and doing interviews and sessions on radio as well running events on the side, but I’m building a team around me, and I am hoping it all falls into place soon!
What advice would you give to artists that are just starting out?
My biggest advice to artists starting out is to be confident in your art, what you’re trying to say and how you’re saying it. Everyone will have an opinion, but your art is ultimately about you. If you like it, it’s good enough. Remember that!
Tips for finding your creativity on a tough day
Lean into whatever it is that is making the day difficult and put pen to paper. I hate to be one of those people who says that journaling really helps, but it really does. I think sometimes, I have to remind myself that whatever I write might not turn into a masterpiece, but it might help clear whatever is creating a block.
3 things you can't live without in your bag
My airpods
Lipgloss
A spare pair of knickers
