The Youtube sensation, singer, and songwriter, Queen Naija, has been in the limelight for quite some time; however, because of this, has found it hard to keep her life free from internet criticism. Her new EP 30, a journey of her stepping into a new era, followed her recent birthday.Â
We, along with other collegiate organizations across the country, were able to attend a virtual interview with her, asking her questions regarding her new era and advice for other women who may be also in the same position — or want to be in the same position — as her. We ask her the question of: what advice would she give to other young women who wished to be aspiring musical artists? She responds to this question, with another question: “what kind of artist do you want to be?”
Being a mainstream musical artist in today’s digital age means being open to receiving potential backlash from people all across different social platforms.
“Can you take everything that comes with it? Can you sacrifice your peace?” she says. “Or do you want to be underground where you can have a little bit more peace?”
As much as many dream of being a big name in music, her words make it understandable why some choose to express their talents in a more low-key way. Being a young woman pursuing a mainstream music career entails being ready to sacrifice part of your inner peace — people will have an opinion about you regardless of what you choose to do, and it definitely won’t always be positive. They will nitpick at every part of you, not just your art, but potentially your looks, personality, and personal life. Before you decide what kind of musician you want to become, you may want to ask yourself, “Am I ready for that?”
Queen Naija obviously was, as she continues to show her power, femininity, and talent through her music and online presence every day. She is an inspiration to many, but also reminds us that more than happiness comes with fame and fortune. The pressures of having an online presence, while also dealing with the day-to-day struggles of the world outside of social media, can really deteriorate a person’s mental health. Knowing what you are signing up for and being prepared to deal with the scrutiny you may face, will help you succeed as an artist within this industry.