Br3nya

Br3nya for Equate Edition Two - Order HERE

London-based singer, songwriter and rapper Br3nya is an advocate of female independence, empowerment and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Following on from a successful 2019, with appearances in Ibiza, and most recently South Africa, the ‘Double Dutch’ rapper of Ghanaian heritage is dubbed as one of the ‘hottest new faces on the scene’, and has been praised by peers in UK music such as Stormzy, Donaeo and many more. EQUATE sat down with the artist to discuss her ascension within the industry, and what is coming next for her.

EQ: Who is Br3nya, and how did you come up with your stage name?

B: I’m not really sure how to explain it. I would say a big ball of energy, I’m just different things in one, I represent so much. Obviously, I’m very African – you notice that when you listen to my music; I’m very daring, out there, I’m not really afraid to do anything, and I’m very unique in my style of performance as well. I’d call myself outspoken, I’m the person that’ll say what’s on people’s mind when they don’t actually want to say it. I think that’s why I rap and do what I do. I guess people would describe me as a bad b* [laughs], that’s what they would call me or class me as. But I just represent women and I like doing what I do to put women on, not necessarily a pedestal, but just to give them the praise that they deserve and give them the platform that they deserve too.

How I came up with the name…well my actual name is double-barrelled, ‘Nana-Brenya’. I came up with my now stage name because I was trying to come up with a Twitter handle and ‘Brenya’ spelled with an ‘E’ was already taken, so I was just thinking “how can I change it up, how can I make it a bit different, but not too different?”. So, I thought maybe a three because I’m Ghanaian and in Twi we use a backwards three for ‘E’, and it just made sense, so I asked everyone in the group chat and I was like “guys does this make sense”, and everyone was like “yeah”. So, I thought “cool that’s it then - that’s my name”. That’s how that came about.

EQ: Growing up who were your biggest musical inspirations? With your African and British heritage, who did you find yourself gravitating towards musically?

B: I think the first person, well it changes, but the first person that really made me want to rap was Nicki Minaj. When she came into the industry it was a very big moment, it had been so long since we’d seen a female rapper come out like that, as there was a bit of a break between the era of Lil’ Kim and her. It was the first time I saw a female rapper debut in that way, and you know Nicki, talk the way she talked, expressed her craft in the way she did – very elaborate, so that for me was the biggest inspiration. But in saying that, I’ve had all these influences, from Hiplife, R&B, 2000s music, it’s been a real mixture. But I’d say that was the most direct influence on my current musical style. When you listen to me now, you’ll hear a lot of different things, you hear the UK vibe, you’ll hear the African, you’ll hear everything.

EQ: You’ve been on your journey in music for a little while, what are the things you enjoy the most about being an artist and musician?

B: I think seeing yourself grow. Obviously, you set yourself goals and milestones, but actually seeing it come to life is a different thing altogether. Every single studio session I have, it’s like a new level reached, like OK, cool… Now you know how to do this properly. Now you’re doing this, and you’re adding more of this. It’s really nice to witness your growth and know how far you can push yourself, that’s what I love about it.

EQ: What are a few things that keep you grounded? You’re gaining a lot of success at the moment so what keeps you as “Nana Brenya”?

B: What keeps me grounded? Obviously, my family and friends, they never change. Everything around you is changing - you’re doing this, and that, your meeting these new people, and everything is constantly changing, but my family and friends don’t change. That’s what always brings me home, and that’s the most important thing regardless of all the success. In the midst of all of that stuff - that is the most important thing. And God obviously, my faith keeps me grounded too.

EQ: What advice would you give to your younger self, or anyone else who is trying to break into the music industry? What have you learnt so far?

B: I would say don’t overthink it. Before I actually released anything, even a little freestyle on my social media, I used to put myself off by overthinking - like ‘what are people going to think’, ‘do I look cute in this’ and all of that. But you can’t, you’ll really just waste your own time, so just go for it. Don’t wait for the right time - there is never a right time, so just go for it with everything you have, and be fearless with it as well.

EQ: Other than your own music, what was at the top of your playlist this summer?

B: Obviously ‘Hot Girl Summer’ by Megan [Thee Stallion] and Nicki [Minaj], that’s just by force. I’m really loving Jorja Smith and Burna Boy’s new song, and I’m in my feelings some-times, so Summer Walker. She just released a song called ‘No Games’ – I’m really loving that one too. Also, Headie One’s album just got released, I’m really feeling that - it’s definitely top of my playlist. And everything on Burna Boy’s new album – I love him. How can I forget the Beyoncé ‘Lion King’ album! There were so many bangers; Burna Boy’s song gave me life, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, everyone!

EQ: If you could choose an artist dead or alive to have dinner with, who would it be and why?

B: It would be Rihanna. I just love her, I love everything about her, she’s just unapologetically herself. If I wanted to be like anyone in music, it would be her and I’d love to emulate the success she’s had. Of course, there’s Beyoncé and others, and I love everyone, but someone I’d want to really hang out with would be Rihanna. And obviously she’s a boss b* as well - there’s a lot of things I could learn from her, she’s en-route to becoming a billionaire, and also is the baddest in the game, so I’d definitely say her.

EQ: What is next for Br3nya, what can we expect to see from you in the next year?

B: I’m definitely working on a new project, but before that I have a few features lined up - quite big features, which will be announced shortly. But the project is coming very soon, I’m currently in the studio wrapping up the final stages of it.

EQ: Amazing – we know we can’t ask too many questions on the details, but what was the influence behind the project - what inspired you on this body of work?

B: I feel like this project is going to show different sides of Br3nya. You’ve got a bit of everything really; I show all my sides. I wanted to show that I’m multifaceted, and I can’t do only one thing, I can do everything! That’s the main thing people are going to get from it, that there’s a lot more depth to me and I have the ability to be versatile.

Follow Br3nya on Socials:

Instagram: @br3nya

Twitter: @br3nya

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