Singer, producer and beatmaker - get to know the musician motivated by authenticity
Musical artist, Nesta Stephan's approach to creativity is all about independent accomplishment. Dipping her toes into a limitless amount of genres, Nesta's experimental style moves between neo-soul, RnB, and a crossover of electronic, ambient sounds. Having started music as a teenager in Gabon, beatboxing amongst friends, Nesta's journey has taken her down a path of mastering the art of authenticity.
Tune in to hear Bx Sassy interview Nesta about the shape her career is taking, and the mindful approach she has regarding creativity as a career.
Driven by the challenge of making her music from start to finish, Nesta explains how she sees a spectrum of colours and sounds in her own creations. Each track is brought together through her lyrics, production, and finally the mixing and mastering. Despite the lengthy process of creating her music, Nesta explains how "Music is the only place I am spontaneous, where there's no rules...I can be vulnerable, I can be myself 100% because I can only be honest in my art. It helps me understand what I like and what I don't like."
Music is the only place I am spontaneous, where there's no rules...I can be vulnerable, I can be myself 100% because I can only be honest in my art. It helps me understand what I like and what I don't like.
This authenticity is something Nesta credits her upbringing in Gabon for inspiring in her music today. "It's funny that as you grow up, they teach you that you have to go to work, they tell you a certain way to live your life...but when you actually do the things you loved doing when you were little, dancing, making music, it feels really good.!" In this way, Nesta inspires us with her approach to embracing creativity in adult life and placing an importance on the role it plays. She explains how "I gained a lot of confidence making what I love and knowing I could do it!"
I gained a lot of confidence making what I love and knowing I could do it!
Since coming to London, Nesta has found space and time to promote her own music and build a portfolio that is clear-sighted and consistent. Nesta is an advocate for seeing people in their element and seeing them shine. Despite the normal conflict of doubt in her own mind, Nesta advises how "When you think you're not good enough, that can be a very loud voice in your head, but just do what you love! There's no standard, just you and yourself."
We are spiritual beings in a physical body - it's just a body at the end of the day. But the spirit is the source, it's what makes us special and individual
It is with joy that we witness Nesta Stephan's art evolve, feeling the presence of her careful consideration and attention to detail with each new project she releases. This display of patience is something rarely seen in today's society, inspiring us to go slow and allow creativity to blossom when and how it feels right, without rush, and with an extra dose of Sass!
Nesta's Quickfire
When do you feel most confident?
When I have people around me who are confident, it makes me feel free. It's liberating, you don't think anymore, you just be yourself.
One cause that's close to your heart?
My family is what keeps me doing this. They're very far away in Gabon so I have to be strong, to make this happen for them knowing what the situation is there.
One dream you'd like to come true?
To be that person that I see. I see myself being busy and inspiring people so my dream is to reach that vision of who I aspire to be.
Best thing about being you?
Being alive, being here, accomplishing stuff by myself.
Name your Sassy tracklist?
Elle Connait
Not a Test
Close To Me
Emotional
Fly Away
(all songs by Nesta Stephan, available on Spotify and Soundcloud)
Be sure to keep up to date with Nesta's music via YouTube and IG @nesta.stephan
Interview and portraits by Bx Sassy