In celebration of Black History Month, Atwood Magazine has called upon artists to contribute essays exploring themes of identity, music, culture, inclusion, and more.
Today, Niambi, a multidisciplinary artist based in Puerto Rico, presents her essay, ‘No New Friends,’ which reflects on a song from her debut solo EP ‘Taboo.’ This piece is part of Atwood Magazine’s Black History Month series and a seasonal offering for ‘My Sister’s Circle.’
As one-half of the neo-soul/hip-hop duo OSHUN, Niambi's musical journey seemed preordained. Born in Atlanta and raised in the DMV, she was influenced by her parents' involvement in Pan-African groups and jazz ensembles. Additionally, they were key members of a neo-soul/funk band. While studying at The Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU Tisch, Niambi met Thandiwe, her future OSHUN collaborator, along with her producer Proda, who worked on several tracks in ‘Taboo,’ and her long-time manager.
During their career, OSHUN gained recognition from leading music outlets worldwide and collaborated with artists such as Princess Nokia, Jorja Smith, and LION BABE. The duo also performed at festivals including Glastonbury, Afropunk, and Melt! Festival and supported Lauryn Hill on her 2020 North American tour. In 2022, OSHUN released their final album, ‘vol. ii.’
Released on January 17 via Easier Said, ‘Taboo’ marks Niambi’s bold foray into solo artistry, signifying her next chapter as an artist, new mother, and woman. The title subtly references the beliefs of African traditional religions while also challenging societal norms. Overall, ‘Taboo’ is a celebration of freedom, showcasing Niambi’s multifaceted roles as a rapper, singer, producer, songwriter, mother, and spiritual leader. The project emerged after her relocation from New York City to Puerto Rico, embracing the island’s natural beauty. “In this project, I’m granting myself permission to express what I feel and pursue what I want,” Niambi expresses. “I’m letting myself occupy more space. And I love it here.”
While in Puerto Rico, Niambi established My Mother’s House, a spiritual organization honoring the ancestral practices of the African Diaspora.
As a source of inspiration through her music and actions, Niambi has become a distinctive voice representing empowerment, community engagement, and more. Read her essay below and listen to her ‘Taboo’ EP, available on all music platforms!
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by Niambi
It’s surprising how a friendship breakup can affect you more than a romantic one.
It’s an odd experience. It’s painful, yet you want to be empathetic because this is your friend, your sister. That's how it feels transitioning to being a solo artist. Despite the beauty of newfound creative freedom, I find myself mourning a lost friendship.
It sounds overly dramatic. We’re both doing fine; we aren’t alienated, and we continue to support each other. But things have changed. Our interactions aren’t the same. We don’t relate as we once did. I’ve been grieving what we had. My song “No New Friends” captures these sentiments. It embodies the process of allowing yourself to acknowledge your feelings and work through them.
I sing, “No new friends… honestly, the heartbreak is a nuisance.” And it really is. It’s uncomfortable. It’s inconvenient to have to open up to new people. To start afresh. To accept that your life will differ from what you envisioned, with ever-changing dynamics. That you lack control. It humbles you. It’s easier to just say “no new friends” and move on; yet, that often leads to missed growth opportunities.
What if we approached matters with more grace?
What if we offered our friends the benefit of the doubt? I was reflecting on this when I wrote, “I thought that was my sister… [there] must’ve been some kind of mixup.” I begin from a place of pain, followed by a shift. Simple misunderstandings and miscommunications can lead to chaos. We often assume ill intent instead of recognizing confusion. I’m striving to fill in the gaps less, transforming resentment into compassion.
“It’s all love, ‘cause life’s harder than it appears to be.” I’m realizing that people show up for you the best way they can, when they can. And if they can’t, that’s okay. I send love to every friend I've ever had, regardless of how our relationships have evolved. I understand that, ultimately, we're all trying to focus on our own growth and alignment. However, that doesn’t lessen the pain of parting ways.
I consider myself a social loner. I thrive in large gatherings but prefer intimacy with a select few. I'm a creature of habit and ritual, often keeping to myself
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Niambi, a multidisciplinary artist from Puerto Rico, presents her essay titled ‘No New Friends,’ which explores a song from her debut solo EP ‘Taboo.’ This piece is featured in Atwood Magazine’s Black History Month series and serves as a seasonal contribution for ‘My Sister’s Circle’!