CLEVELAND — The name J.J. Abrams may ring some bells. The filmmaker has been a pillar in the entertainment industry since the early 90's.
He's written, produced and directed several films and shows including Lost, Cloverfield, Star Trek, Star Wars VII- the Force Awakens, just to name a few.
In 2018, adding to his entertainment accolades, Abrams launched indie music label, Loud Robot. The label,an extension of his production company Bad Robot, will focus on established and emerging artist according to Rolling Stone.
One of those emerging artists is Cleveland native, Nnena Adigwe. Nnena is the first signee to Abrams' label.
In a press release, he called the 24-year-old a "powerhouse artist." He continues, "Daring, insightful, and brilliantly talented. We couldn't feel prouder to be working with her."
Nnena caught the attention of Loud Robot's team via social media. A member of his team reached out to her on Instagram after seeing her comedic skits and freestyles.
"It all started with a DM, as crazy as that sounds," she says. " Answer your DM’s you know, no matter how crazy it looks," says Nnena.
Shortly after that encounter, Nnena was on a plane to California with her mother, sister and grandmother.
Growing up one of five siblings in inner-city Cleveland, Nnena says that family is extremely important to her.
"I'm all about family. That's really why I'm doing this.I'm like we need to have a good life and be comfortable," says Nnena.
And she's well on her way, in just one month's time, her debut single, "Lovesick" has garnered more than 8,000 views.
"That’s um, that’s the kind of music you get when you’re tired of dealing with a dummy," she said unapologetically.
Watch the video for Nnena's single "Lovesick" directed by Sundance hit-maker JD Dillard here.
Drawing inspiration from industry elites such as Queen Latifah, Lauryn Hill, Aretha Franklin and Missy Elliot, Nnena's sound serves you authenticity on a silver platter.
"A woman’s voice. The things that a woman wants to say, and she can’t, I’m a say it," she says describing her musical prowess.
Watch Nnena's extended interview with WKYC's Kierra Cotton on YouTube, here. The two discuss what it was like growing up Nigerian- American, the keys too her confidence, how she finds the inspiration for her music and so much more.
