Singer Nia Talks Former Band Zin And Her Solo Career

K St. Fort — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 00:28:54 +0000

Nia, a singer who was a member of a legendary group called Zin is getting ready to branch out of her own. The vocalist with the cherubic voice talked at length about what she has saved up for her fans.

Kreyolicious: How did you begin your career as a singer?

I started my career as a singer in an R&B girl group. I can’t remember our name but we were based in Miami. I have been singing since a little girl in my school choirs and in church choirs.

Kreyolicious: So many singers had their start in church choirs. Why do you think that is? Do you think that they have an advantage of sorts over singers who didn’t?

I think that has a lot to do with the families and [one’s] upbringing. Church was—and still is—a big part of my life. ‘Til this day, I still sing at my church.

Kreyolicious: How did the band Zin find out about you?

I was introduced to the guys at a show in Miami, and sang for them on the spot.

Kreyolicious: Was it difficult getting your parents’ approval when it came to your musical career?

At first…yes. When it came to my decision to join the legendary group Zin at age eighteen…that didn’t sit well with my mother.

Kreyolicious: It didn’t sit well with your mother…did you have to sneak out for most of your career?

No. My mom didn’t think the Haitian music industry was a place for a young girl to be spending a lot of time. It was more of a motherly protection thing than anything else.

Kreyolicious: Being a newcomer in the music business is one thing, but after a few years you gain all sorts of experience. Looking back, are there some things you would have done different…or not done at all?

No, I wouldn’t change a thing regardless [of whether it was a] good or [a] bad experience. Everything happened as God planned it.

Kreyolicious: What would you say has been the most memorable moment of your career?

A Zin performance in Paris France. It was the first time performing in that type of capacity. It was amazing, and the amount of people that showed up was a blessing.

Kreyolicious: What are you working on right now?

I’m working on my solo album, and it’s taking some time, but once it’s complete, and delivered to the Haitian music industry, I’m sure the real fans will forgive the long wait.

Kreyolicious: Did you take part in the creative process?

Of course, this is my first album and it must be me all the way…

Kreyolicious: Can you discuss how the album came together, and discuss some of the songs?

Well, my album has been a work in progress for some years now. Then, family came into the forefront of life, and actually putting the work in to get the album done takes a lot of time and finances. I have a few producers on my album like Nickenson Prudomme, JBeats, Mark G and a few more people. I want to release a good body of work for all the fans who have been awaiting it. I have a song dedicated to the ladies called “Ladies Night”, featuring Princess Eud-–which is out already as one of the first singles released. Stay tuned. We are working hard to get it done.

Kreyolicious: What else is next for you?

I really would like to have a band—NiaMusiq—as a female lead singer, it’s hard finding committed musicians willing to start something new. Most are comfortable gigging ’cause it pays the bills and it’s a sure pay day—which I totally understand.

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Nia Steps Out With Pash Band–A Revolution for Haitian Music?

K St. Fort — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 05:36:33 +0000

Singer Nia Mahotiere-Louis—Nia Pash—has released three introductory singles to launch off her band Pash. Pash is rather appealing as a band, with four dapper male members standing at the singer’s side. According to the band’s official biography, the dapper gents are Dano Eugene Jr., the band’s maestro, Greg Previlon on keyboards, Ricardo “Codo” Anilus on congas, and Sebastian “Seby” Tertullien, a guitarist. Between them, they more than 10 years of experience, and Mahotiere-Louis is a former singer for the classic konpa band Zin.

Pash…

Before I even listened to the tracks, I had to pause and smile. Since starting this little website, and since I became Kreyolicious, I haven’t come across too many female-led groups in the konpa genre…unless I missed something. So, seeing this sassy singer leading two males into a song, well, um, the feeling is indescribable.

Naturally, the novelty of seeing a female leading a Haitian band shouldn’t mean that the band should get a pass of any sorts…

So, as I listened to the tracks, I was relieved to see that this band is quite solid musically. First there’s this song “Ayizan” in which the lead singer vocally struts through the lyrics, her voice raging like a soft-edged machete through some wild forest (not the deforested kind either). Her voice is lush, as if prior to recording the track, she had been going through some mental agony and decided to pour all her feelings and emotions in a one-take version of this song. If these songs are just a preview of this band’s capabilities, I wonder what they’ll emerge when they’re ready to present the public with the Real McCoy—the full-pledged Pash.

“More Than Friends” with that bratty auto tune towards the beginning made me want to click the STOP button, but around the 22 seconds mark, I regained my enthusiasm. I was especially charmed and impressed by the singer’s winsome delivery of the song, as well as her range. I don’t know why, but at some point I felt like this is what Ciara would sound like if she could sing in Creole. But the overall vibe was very Chante Moore, a classic singer from the 90s.

For “C’est Lamour”, the singer croons in French. The track showcases the singer’s ability to go from genre to genre. “C’est Lamour” comes with this French Caribbean aura, and the singer comes across as a tropical Celine Dion.

Pash is adorable, from the dotted “a”, in its name…(ahem that’s called a diacritic sign…I looked it up!), to the pink and black color scheme worn by its members, to its R&B- drenched konpa. This band ain’t half-baked, okay?

Moving forward, the music must be rad and the marketing consistent.

Will Mahotiere-Louis lead a revolution? Will Pash be a catalyst of sorts to bring more women to the forefront? Well, that would be something, wouldn’t it?

Let’s go Pash!

Listen to Pash below…

KEEP UP WITH PASH ON FACEBOOK BY CLICKING HERE!

It’s your girl Kreyolicious signing off this episode of KREYOLICIOUS MUSIC! See ya’ll children next time.

Nia – Kalepwa Magazine

Singer Nia Talks Former Band Zin And Her Solo Career

Nia Steps Out With Pash Band–A Revolution for Haitian Music?