In the labyrinth of New York’s sonic tapestry, where concrete meets culture, emerges NAIMA, a captivating musical force raised between the bustling borough of Brooklyn and the culturally rich suburb of New Rochelle. Her artistic journey is a seamless blend of analog roots and digital dreams, shaped by the diverse influences of her life.

Growing up in an environment where music was a constant companion, NAIMA was introduced to a kaleidoscope of sounds that became the foundation of her musical psyche. From the early days of her youth, her mother exposed her to a wide range of artists and educated her about the lineage of Black music. Ella Fitzgerald, Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, John Coltrane, Lenny Kravitz, A Tribe Called Quest, and Dionne Farris, are just some of the many artists that were in heavy rotation at home. Additionally, the infectious sounds of 70s & 80s Funk, Disco, and Pop were a major cornerstone to NAIMA’s musical upbringing. With the likes of Chaka Khan, Earth Wind and Fire, Sister Sledge, Janet Jackson, and The Brothers Johnson, being some of the major contributors to the soundtrack of NAIMA’s childhood.
Meanwhile, her Panamanian father, a DJ and producer, further broadened her musical horizons with the global sounds of artists such as Ruben Bladés, Djavan, Fela Kuti Santana, and The Police.

NAIMA further pursued her musical education at Berklee College of Music, where she delved into the intricacies of her craft. However it did not take long before the magnetic pull of New York City called her back home. Returning to her mother’s home borough, Queens, NAIMA found her artistic sanctuary. She immersed herself in a thriving community of like-minded artists. The legendary DIY underground stages of C’mon Everybody, H0L0, Trans-Pecos, and Palisades became her creative playground-allowing her to further hone her craft as a performer, producer, songwriter, and singer. This period marked the genesis of her distinctive voice, culminating in her upcoming debut EP, “CITY LIGHTS.”

Describing her music as “Dream R&B” NAIMA builds a sonic landscape rooted in the traditions of the genre synthesized with a diverse range of influences. The result is a cinematic and lush soundscape that mirrors the analog and digital dichotomy of her upbringing.

NAIMA’s rise in the music scene is marked by notable collaborations with artists like Nick Hakim, Isaiah Barr of Onyx Collective, and Starchild and the New Romantic. Notable acts she has opened up for include Bilal, Madison Mcferrin, Gabriel Garzon-Montano, and Mister Twin Sister, further cementing her status as an artist to watch. With the release of two self-produced singles NAIMA has already garnered the attention of press publications, such as the Fader and V magazine.

V magazine recognizes NAIMA’s star quality; describing her as a blend of natural talent and cultivated skill, she challenges the age-old debate of whether an artist is born or made. The Fader acknowledges NAIMA as an exciting newcomer with parallels to Solange and FKA Twigs while clearly creating her own identity. Also stating that NAIMA pushes musical boundaries while honoring her roots in funk, disco, and hip-hop.

Anchored in the warmth of her musical inheritance, NAIMA views Black music as a majestic tree with roots that run deep and have boundless influence. Through her music, she aspires to contribute to that tree, in her own way.

NAIMA invites her listeners into a dreamy world where nostalgia meets innovation, and tradition harmonizes with the contemporary. Where the echoes of the past resonate in the beats of the future. As she steps into the spotlight, her story is one of cultural richness, personal discovery, and a commitment to contribute to the ever expanding legacy of Black music. And while NAIMA continues to carve her niche in the music scene, she stands not only as a testament to her roots but as a beacon for the evolving landscape of R&B. Her music, like the city lights that inspired her, illuminates the path forward, inviting listeners to embark on a soul-stirring journey through the streets of her sonic universe.