Singer and influencer Nawi has released her single ’12 o’clock at night’ and in this interview she tells us about the process of creating of her new music
At only 20 years old, the singer and influencer Nawi accumulates more than 45 thousand followers in networks. His latest single ’12 o’clock at night’ is being a hit on platforms such as TikTok . We talked to her to tell us about her upcoming projects, aspects of composition and creation, and also to get closer to the young Naroa and her growth as a person and artist.
Last March 24, ’12 de la noche’ was released, your latest single that is taking TikTok by storm. How was this song born?
Well, it was born several months ago at a camp I went to with some producers: Chris Viz, Take… And it was a camp where we made a lot of music. Of all the songs that are made there is always one that stands out above the rest, which we call the “stick”. So from minute one, all of us who were there knew that ’12 o’clock at night’ was a “stick”. It was the one we liked the most. In fact, it was one of the ones I liked the most of all the ones I had done to date. Although I was hesitating for a while whether to take it out or not, if it was the right time. Finally, my team and I made the final decision, gave the go-ahead and decided to take it out.
What is the message behind this theme?
The main message I’m trying to convey in this song is the moment when you start meeting a person you really like and you can’t get them out of your head. Let’s say it refers to first love, or when you fall for someone. All you want is to be with that person, talk to that person, think about that person… and you get into a constant addiction for that person.
Since you were a child, you have been trained professionally as a dancer, and you have studied singing. Was it clear to you from then on that your future was in music?
In the end, we all wanted a million things when we were kids. I’ve wanted to be a doctor, a teacher… But it is true that I remember constantly being on the garden terrace of my house, taking my mother’s heels, my make-up and believing I was on stage, and singing, dancing, acting…. Even in an invented language… Everything. But it’s true that I’ve always had that artistic streak in the world of acting.
How did you go from being Naroa to becoming Nawi, an artist with more than 45 thousand followers in networks?
Let’s see, it is a path, which is not yet 100% complete, it is still going on. I am still the same person because I am still the same now as I was 10 years ago. But the process of becoming Nawi is a very long journey that involves a lot of work and many objectives, and it continues to happen. It has not yet reached its peak.
Who have been your main supporters over the years?
My mother. Let’s see, both my father and my mother. She has always been there, supporting me. And then my close family, my team, the fans….
Many of your hits, such as ‘La Popi’ or ‘No lo pillas’, have had a lot of repercussion in countries like Argentina or Colombia, do you think that part of your fame is due to the reception of your music by the Latin American public?
I wouldn’t define it as fame because I’m not at that point yet, but I would say that everything I’ve achieved has been thanks to them. The Spanish public is perhaps more loyal to bigger artists, who are already established. However, the Latin American public always sees you as much more than you really are. They idolize you a lot, they support you a lot, they are always commenting…. So it is true that thanks to the Latin American audience, today, I am where I am, let’s say. Besides, the origin of my music comes from there. So to see a European artist, in this case a Spanish one, singing their music, they like it in the end.
We have also seen you immersed in social networks as an influencer, when did this facet emerge?
Well, I think they go a little hand in hand. That is, it’s not that I started one thing and then later another. I think that little by little they have been merging because one thing leads to the other. Having a network helps promote your music, and vice versa. So they have always gone hand in hand because both facets feed back into each other.
How has being an influencer impacted your music career? Do you think this field has helped you take off as an artist?
Look, I’m going to be honest with you and the truth is that networking was not my strong point. They have always cost me a little bit. But I understand that it’s part of what I have to do to keep growing. So, I do believe that I have been helped in part by the fact of having a platform such as TikTok. If a song is pasted on TikTok, the song hits. Therefore, I believe these resources help to enhance your songs. However, many times one thing overlaps with the other and I have to say no to something that I’m not really interested in, like an event, a brand… because it’s not the right time.
How do you combine both worlds?
In the end it all comes down to a good agenda and good organization. But there are times when I have to say no to things that, for example, don’t fit me at the time or maybe it’s not the right time. Or even, simply, if I have to go to the studio and there’s a brand behind it that I’m not really interested in, in that case I’ll prefer to go to the studio. It’s a little bit about priorities and what is beneficial for me at any given moment.
At only 20 years old, today you present yourself as a revelation for many here in Spain. How do you deal with all the media pressure?
Actually, I don’t think I’ve reached the point of having media pressure yet. But you may be under a bit of pressure from work, with a very tight schedule. Also, the concern to always look good because of the fact that I am always in front of the public. I believe that with the help of a psychologist and having a supportive family, you don’t forget where you came from. And also follow your goals. I love what I do, but it’s still work. I love going to dance and singing lessons, but I still see it as a goal to keep growing. So combining it with movie nights, family dinners, vacations…, things you have done all your life, makes you keep your feet on the ground and not lose your head.
What can we expect from Nawi in the coming months: any collaboration, festivals, concerts…? Will your fans be able to see you live at a festival or concert soon?
Well look, right now I’m with my team, Hathor Music, which I just signed with them, and we’re focused on getting music out. Although I just released a single, we are already thinking about the next ones, and releasing good music. I want to change my facet a little bit. Bring out a new Nawi. So we are mainly focused on that. And if at any time I’m called for a festival, I’ll be there. We are not closed to anything and I am delighted.