NovaBlaq Talks Musical Evolution and Cultural Roots on 3Music TV

Jephthah Nana Adjei Osei - Mensah
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NovaBlaq Talks Musical Evolution and Cultural Roots on 3Music TV
Nova Blaq

Ghanaian-American artist NovaBlaq took center stage on 3Music TV’s Big Conversation, offering a candid look at his musical journey and the cultural tapestry that defines his sound. The hour-long interview showcased NovaBlaq’s evolution from a behind-the-scenes producer to a versatile rapper and storyteller, as well as his ongoing mission to fuse influences from his Ghanaian upbringing and American experiences.
NovaBlaq traced the origins of his musical passion to his sophomore year of college, a turning point that came at a personal cost. "I failed all my classes that year, but that was when I decided to take music seriously,” he admitted with a reflective tone. Initially focused on production, he spent countless hours crafting beats and collaborating with other artistes, often giving away songs he’d created. However, a realization sparked a shift: “I was like, man, I could have did better than that,” he said, prompting him to step into the mic booth himself to prove his lyrical prowess. What began as a quest to showcase his rap skills has since transformed into a broader artistic pursuit. “At first, it was about proving I can rap. Then it was about telling a story. Now it’s about telling my story,” he explained, emphasizing his current goal to craft music that mirrors his emotions and experiences.
This evolution has led NovaBlaq to break free from genre constraints. “I’m not just doing hip hop anymore—I’m trying to curate a vibe for how I’m feeling,” he told the hosts, hinting at the eclectic mix awaiting fans in his upcoming album, Nightcrawler. Slated for release soon, the project promises a “modern contemporary” sound, blending introspective tracks with high-energy “bangers” designed to soundtrack nights out. “It’s for before you go out, at the function—those vibes,” he said, underscoring its appeal to party-goers and reflective listeners alike.
NovaBlaq’s dual heritage plays a starring role in his artistry, a theme he explored in depth during the interview. Born in Ghana, he grew up immersed in the rhythms of church music, where the fervor of drummers first sparked his creative curiosity. “I wasn’t focusing on the preaching—I was paying attention to the guys playing the music,” he recalled, noting how drum lessons as a child laid an early foundation. Ghanaian artists like Sarkodie, whose prime coincided with NovaBlaq’s formative years, also left an indelible mark. “When a song is a hit here, it’s a hit for a reason,” he said, praising the country’s musical ingenuity. After moving to the United States, his influences expanded to include hip hop icons like Eminem and Jay-Z, introduced by friends and collaborators who deepened his appreciation for the genre’s history. “I was revisiting hip hop history, getting put on by people heavy into it,” he noted.
This cross-cultural blend isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a driving force. NovaBlaq credits his Ghanaian roots for igniting his passion and his U.S. experiences for refining it. “If I hadn’t seen that drummer going crazy, I wouldn’t have taken this journey,” he said, while acknowledging that the time spent with producers and rappers in the States—coupled with self-taught piano lessons during quarantine—sharpened his production skills. His early mentorship from figures like Greatness, Good Gas Russ, and his manager Boney further honed his craft through trial and error, a process he described as “throwing stuff against the board until I started to get a sound.”
The interview also touched on how NovaBlaq translates this rich background into his music. His 2021 collaboration FRODO BAGGINS with another artist has become a fan favorite, opening doors internationally and cementing his reputation in rap circles, particularly in New York. Meanwhile, tracks like TOO RISKY, inspired by a heartbreak and released on Valentine’s Day 2023, showcase his ability to channel personal moments into relatable art. “I was in my feelings, and the song just came easy,” he said of the guitar-driven single, which has found unexpected popularity in Nigeria.
As NovaBlaq prepares to drop NIGHTCRAWLER, he remains committed to authenticity over trends. While he finds comfort in drill and Afrobeats—“they sit well with my vocals,” he noted—he resists pigeonholing his work. “A good song is a good song, no matter the genre,” he asserted, a philosophy that reflects his expansive influences, from Ghanaian gospel and highlife to American rock and pop. For NovaBlaq, music is a living narrative, one that continues to evolve as he navigates his dual identity and artistic ambitions.

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