Nino Brings Cultures Together in “Up To Something”

Music has been Nino’s passion. This passion has been the driver of the Nigerian singer, songwriter, and talking drummer who has made waves in the music industry with her unique blend of musical styles and innovative use of the talking drum in R&B music. Incorporating those in her latest track, Up To Something, Nino fuses various elements of African culture, with her talking drum taking the lead. 

Born on June 24, 1993, in Lagos State, Nigeria, Nino’s foray into music began in 2008 when she founded a dance group in secondary school and won several contests. Her love of music drew her to Obafemi Awolowo University, which formed her interest in talking drums. Nino created an art that was genuinely unique and innovative by fusing the talking drum into her music through experimenting and the advice of mentors.

With the release of her track Baby Bad in 2019, Nino gained prominence and drew the attention of major music platforms with her unique approaches to music that have greatly influenced the Nigerian music scene. 

Reaffirming her success in music, Nino has won accolades. Nino was named “Best Female Artiste Student” at both the Miss Tourism Africa – African Celebrity Awards and the Nigerian Oscar Awards, capping with an appearance on Season 4 of the Big Brother reality show. 

In Up To Something, Nino successfully makes use of this secondary gift,  which is playing the talking drum, with the faith that there is room for it in music as she takes the leap of faith. Recorded in one take during her darkest moment, the track ushers Nino into a new wave of light.

Listen to Up To Something here: