I had the privilege to interview Nicqua B on her career and overcoming her struggles. Automatically, I noticed that Nicqua is a vibrant soul, soft spoken yet has a powerful delivery. A creator in many spectrums. A Spoken word artist, musically divine and her brutally honest poetry reflects on the joy and struggles of the modern world. She’s has been doing poetry since the third grade, having her teacher as motivation to pursue her writing career. She has an amazing way of expressing herself. However, as life threw curveballs, facing many challenges like anxiety & depression to losses in her life. Losing people near and dear to her, Nicqua temporally put her passion on hold from time to time. Nicqua achieved her first hit with her breakthrough EP ‘Who I Am,’ which introduced a wider audience to her dazzling gift for language. As we know, I am a firm believer that passion is power and as time progressed Nicqua passion comes back with power. She made her comeback on a social media platform called “Smooth Lounge R&B and Spoken word artist”, hosted by radio host Lil Nat. She was chosen by her performance and began humbling accepting her comeback. Since the platform experience she kept pushing forward and never looked back. The Native New Yorker released her latest album “The Transition” on August 31st 2020. I’ve enjoyed her eccentric flow on “Use too” to her relatable message on “My Block”. I took a vibe to “Yummy Yummy” as she expressed her melodic pleasures as I was able to connect with her emotions. She is expressive with her words and it truly captivates the listener. You will find her music and social media below as you ready more on Nicqua.
V-Henny: Where in New York are you from?
Nicqua: I am from Uniondale/ Hempstead New York.
As a creator in this industry, has pandemic affected your craft? If so, How?
Believe it or not, it has affected me in a way whereas it motivated me to write more – so many injustices & the pandemic put together basically gave me the passion to speak on it- we lost so many people due to this pandemic & the constant social injustice is heartbreaking.
Tell us briefly about your recent project ” The Transition”.
Well, my ep “ The Transition” is actually showing different sides of me. How I am not just a poet – I am hip hop- I am R&B – like so many amazing artists such as Floetry, Common, Wale, Jill Scott, and many more. Also, it represents the growth in me as a spoken word artist ~ as a poet ~ and the phases I went through in life that I conquered. I thought I was dying without a disease besides anxiety – I literally was giving my husband instructions on what I want him to do once I died. So I have come along way thanks to poetry and my family.
Other notables you have worked with?
I had another EP called ” Who am I ” during my moments whereas I really down. A lot of written poetry on my page, collaborations with other amazing poets, being apart of a supportive tribe, currently working on a book where it has my poetry and speaks on where I was at mentally while writing that particular poem& I am trying to raise awareness for Mental Health Services. A blog for other artists to be able to have a safe space – creating an open mic night ( Tuesday Nights) coming soon and lastly, merchandise in the works.
The ultimate goal within your artistry?
Is to raise awareness for mental health illnesses, give people another form of spoken word artistry – and change people’s lives by making them feel good.
Is there anything else you would like the world to know about you?
I am a mother of four and a nurse. I also like to dance – mainly, I just love every goal I’m running towards.
What makes you stand out from everyone else?
I have no problem touching different aspects of my craft- I’m not afraid to try new things as long as it makes me feel good in my spirit as well as makes my audience feel good as well. I talk about everything – social injustice – slavery – dancing – erotic- love – hip-hop- reminiscent type poems – I try to touch every subject.
What were some steps you took to get to where you are today?
I stayed Consistent- took great care constructive criticism from other poet and none poets – still learning not to take certain things personally but I have gotten a lot better. Opened me up for open mics – to get more comfortable performing – did my own marketing and promotions- did collaborations with other artists – networking
For more of Nicqua B follow her on All social Media Platform
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-transition/1529914345
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5FlebQoxiAKTozAOLuJFJM?si=s2eWFnkNTcSdGx1mjmasjg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicquab/