Photography Sasha Sales
The beautiful and talented American actress, singer-songwriter and producer Nefertitti Avani, returns with her new soulful yet sleek R&B offering ‘Serious’.
Produced by Malcolm Martin, with sultry vocals swirling into an intricate, bluesy, electro-tinged soundscape, the track braids 90’s contemporary R&B influences with tinges of soul music, elevated by Avani’s effortless riffs that exude chilling confidence and warm vibrance all at once.
‘Serious’ is the first single off of her forthcoming new EP “Oh, Ok” dropping this summer. The Cleveland Ohio native is a dynamic force, who’s versatility throughout her discography displays her abundance of talent and expertise.
Born and raised in Cleveland Ohio, Nefertitti Avani began learning music at the age of one and could play ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ by the age of two. It is no surprise she comes from a musical family. Her father is a singer and producer and her grandfather was a member of The Original Ojay’s. In addition, her grandmother brought attention to African dance in Cleveland and helped Avani with her stage performances. Nefertitti Avani was on TV by age eight and had a collection of written songs by age nine.
She has commanded the respect and attention of super producers including Missy Elliot, Teddy Riley, Keith Sweat, Battlecat, Needlz, and Jellyroll among others.
With her debut project set to be released this summer, Nefertitti is definitely one to keep your eye on as one of the most exhilarating newcomers on the scene.
“In the words of the great Malvika Padin, ‘Serious’ is about balancing relationships with ambition. I love my work, you know?! I love being in the studio recording and producing. I also love being in love. So I wrote “Serious” about the navigation through love and my music career.”
Tell us about your journey from acting to music
Well starting this project I was just feeling the ebb and flow of the music industry. I was maintaining my love life beside my love for creating. I was learning to master my fate and so I just wrote about that experience. So it’s all just like Confidence and harmony and loads of love and sex …you know, all the things that are important for me to keep while I’m producing my music career.
What is the favorite song you wrote and why?
That’s hard! I would have to say my favorite song from the “Oh, ok” project is “yo chick”. It’s my favorite just because of the sample and I love Ashanti, so yeah. But All the songs are on fire. So it’s hard lol
Who are your all time musical icons?
Nat King Cole
Beethoven
Teddy Riley
Janet Jackson
Missy Elliott
Aaliyah
What are some things to do to keep your inspiration alive
I love to hold deep meaningful conversations with all kinds of people. Their perspectives on life give me inspiration a lot
Who are you binge listening to these days?
Oh my gosh, me! I listen to myself all the time.
Favorite movie or TV show?
It’s hard to have favorites these days because there’s so much. But I love marvel movies and series.
Do you have any peculiar pre or post show rituals?
Omg so believe it or not, my ritual before a show is always practice (haha) And my post show ritual is always food!
What’s the future looking like for you?
I always tell people I’m psychic and know the future because I design it myself. And it looks like health, wealth and happiness with great company….Really shiny, luxurious, fun, exhilarating, nature filled, and beautiful lol
What is the achievement or moment in your career you are the most proud of and why?
I am so proud that I was brave enough to follow my heart 100% full time and pursue my music career.
What would you change in the world and scene that surrounds you?
Everything I would change is already changing 🥰 I love it
