Self-love and having confidence in ourselves becomes an internal struggle that we all face at some level. Even some popstars, who we perceive as beacons of confidence, have gone through the turmoil of accepting themselves. Nia Amber, a rising Bahamian R&B sensation signed to Trina’s Rockstarr Music Group, started her life journey wrestling with her identity as she was mocked for her dark skin. However, she transformed her insecurities into strength by building a brand around loving yourself for who you are. In this interview, both Nia and her mentor Trina give their perspectives on how they became the artists they are today, from what inspires them to keep moving forward to the struggles they endure as black female artists.

What was it like growing up in Miami?

I’ve always loved Miami. I’m a true city girl! I don’t think there’s any place like Miami! We have a huge melting pot of cultures and I love that. The weather is nice and the beaches are beautiful. I love my city, for me, there is no place like home.

Tell me about what inspired you to pursue music as a career.

I’ve always loved performing on stage since I was a young child. In the past, I used dance as a way to express my emotions, but as I grew older, I found that music also served as an outlet for me to express as well. Because I am not really expressive verbally, dance and song save me. I enjoy being able to speak through my alter ego when she's alive and doing her thing on stage.

What was the journey like going from the five-member group Amity Love to becoming a solo artist?

Being a part of a group was a lot of fun but I must admit, venturing on to a solo career has been very different. When you are in a group the pressure is not solely on one person, however, as a solo artist the pressure is all on you! I loved being in the group because you have the opportunity to feed off of each creatively, however, as a solo artist it’s easier to balance your career. With different personalities and different energies coming into play with a group, it can sometimes get sticky. Being a part of Amity Love was a great experience and I would not trade that for the world but I enjoy being a solo artist as well. I can’t wait to show the world what’s in store.

When was the first time you met Katrina Laverne Taylor who is best known as “Trina?”

I met Trina back in 2018, towards the end of the year. I was so afraid and nervous. I wasn’t sure she was going to vibe with my sound or my style. When I met her she was so humble and encouraging. She listened to my song and instantly loved it. I am so grateful for her leadership and direction over these past years. The industry is not easy, it is a constant grind. Even with a major co-sign like Trina, I still have to put in the work. I feel that great things are about to happen with my career and I am thankful that I have Trina’s support.

Walk me through a day in your life as a signed artist

Typically a day in the life of Nia Amber begins with a morning prayer. I just need to reflect and be grateful for life. After that I have a workout session with my trainer and then a sensible breakfast. Marketing and creating content is usually pretty taxing, so I spend part of my day creating content to post on my social media platforms. (IG and Tiktok) Some evenings I have studio sessions, writing sessions or a dance class/coaching. Now that I am preparing for my single release, I spend time working on the roll out for the song. I have also been fortunate enough to be invited on the road as a part of Trina’s show, that has been a real treat.

Tell me about the mission of self-acceptance behind your music.

My very first single NO MORE was definitely about self acceptance and not allowing myself to be treated any kind of way. I also have an unreleased song called BEST LIFE that was along those same lines. Since a few years ago, I have kind of evolved musically and my mission is just to create music that makes people feel good. I do still plan to create music that has a positive message but at this point in my career, I am a little more flexible and open to creating a variety of music.

What has been the most fulfilling experience for you so far as an artist?

If I have to choose one out of the many fulfilling things for me as an artist, I would have to say that it was being chosen to open up for the K. Michelle tour. That was super exciting! I think this was the most fulfilling because I was able to share my music with people from other cities. As an up and coming artist, sometimes your music tends to circulate locally first. This tour gave me the chance to take my music to the west coast and other cities. I am definitely grateful to Trina who made that happen.

Is there a particular venue that you loved performing at?

I enjoyed performing at the Fillmore in Miami. That was one of my first major shows in my hometown. I performed on the same stage alongside Trina and so many other dope female artists such as Doja Cat, Latto and Megan Thee Stallion.

If you could go back in time and give yourself advice as a young starlet, what would that be?

Embrace yourself with everything you have in you. Know that you are beautiful inside and out. Don’t let anyone dim your light, stay focused and believe that dreams do come true. Work hard, create your success story and reach for the stars.

Who has been your favorite artist to work with thus far?

My favorite artist to work with thus far is Trina. There is truly a genuine connection when we create. When I am on stage alongside Trina, there is a natural chemistry between us. She’s a legend and it is an honor to have her mentorship. She is always dropping gems and giving me the secrets to success.

Hard or soft tacos and why?

It actually depends on what meat is inside lol. I like both but I prefer soft if I’m eating fish tacos and hard if I’m eating ground turkey or steak.

What big moves do you have planned for the future?

I’ll be dropping my new single DA along with my visual for the song.. I am super excited to roll out my D.A. dance competition for all of my creatives to tap in. On March 23rd, Women Crush Wednesday, I will be dropping an intimate short performance for my fans. I call it “A Night with Nia”. It is definitely a treat you don't want to miss. I’m also working on dropping another smash single with a surprise feature and an EP in the summer. This is going to be an exciting year and I can’t wait to share all the goodies that we have in store.

Questions for Trina

Q: Why did you pursue a career in music?

A: I’m a star honey, so once the opportunity approached me I went for it .. I was a realtor. Trick Daddy asked me to get on his record. I had no idea what I was gonna do. I gathered my friends and went to the studio extremely nervous. I did the record which is called “Nann” and the rest is history.

Q: What pushed you to sign Nia Amber to your label?

A: I actually signed Nia a few years ago, I was excited about her. Her sound. Her dancing. I saw the potential in her so I invited her to my studio session. She sang a song for me and I said are you ready to be an artist? Are you ready to work? Are you ready for this? She said, “yes,” she was ready, and from there we began putting in work. It's really different working with an R&B artist, it takes time. You have to make sure everything is perfect, it’s not like hip hop. I’ve been really developing her over the years.

Q: Being a mentor and inspiration for so many artists, what is the best advice you were given from someone who inspired you?

A: I remember when I started, Missy Elliott told me to stay focused. Make sure my business is in tact and I learned how to be a business woman fast. I was very consistent and I’m always challenging myself to do more than I’ve done. Pushing myself to the limit to be better than I was each time.

Q: Are there any challenges you have to overcome on a daily basis?

Yes I face challenges every day, the pressure of being a female in this industry is a challenge, you must figure out your lane and each day work towards what you want to accomplish, it’s not always gonna be easy but it will make you see all areas in which you need improvement.

Q: Hard or soft tacos and why?

I actually like my tacos in a soft shell but the shell must be fried a little just to add a little crisp. It’s my thing it’s the best. Those hard tacos are like eating bricks. I don’t like that... LOL

Q: What has been the biggest change in the rap and R&B landscape that you have noticed over the course of your career?

Music changes every day. It’s so different now. The system. We have so many outlets. Virals and apps that we can use for music now. The sound has changed. The style has changed. The tempo of songs has changed. I feel now as an artist people are making their own rules with regards to sound. So you can hear a record with no hook now. It’s music, it’s art. Express and be free! People voice and express their experiences through music.

Both Nia and Trina are inspirational to black women everywhere that wish to make a name for themselves in the music industry. Their energy and vibes shine bright through the haze that clouds the horizon of potential that many of these women fear they will never see. It was a pleasure sharing their stories, and I look forward to their continued growth as artists.

Artist on the rise 'Nia Amber' talks about her new single, self love and working with hip hop legend 'Trina'

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