Nana Adjoa releases her latest single, “No Room.” The track finds Nana considering the empty space that often fills vacant conversation, stating that the track is about, “Talking; talking too much about nothing. Just filling the room or the conversation with fillers. Creating a false sense of security and control of the moment, while simultaneously killing it. Leaving nothing to discover, no room to get to really know someone or experience something new.”
“No Room” is joined by a compelling visual that traces the cacophony of noise one may feel inside the head as a result of continuous external opinions, judgements, or hollow conversations. Moreover, the video is a graceful nod to Nana’s Ghanaian heritage. Creative Director Rudy Asibey says that, “The vision was to bring Nana’s duality in culture and music together. Her name stands for so much more in Ghanaian culture. Nana means king/queen and Adjoa is her day name (‘Monday’), which stands for peacemaker. For me, Nana’s music is a journey to finding the answers to life. Nana guides us with music to help us find those answers. I wanted to bring that journey to life in the visuals. In this video, we see more of her Ghanaian culture and a journey to finding self—even though people want to put you in a box or want you to become someone else. In the end, she chooses herself. As Nana’s name represents, I hope her music guides people to choose for themselves, to learn more about their heritage in order to gain learnings from heritage and grow. Especially in these times, it is important to know where you’re from, in order to know where you’re going. We could all use a peacemaker.” The visual delivery was furthermore amplified by Video Director Robbert Doelwijt Jr., who noted, “I relate to Nana’s message about small talk not providing us with enough room for imagination. So it was fun translating that into this video that almost feels like one continues sequence, because of the wipe transitions and match cuts. At the end of the day I wanted the video to show Nana on her way to find room to be creative, despite the things holding her back.”
“No Room” furthermore marks the announcement of Nana’s debut album, Big Dreaming Ants, set for a September 24th release. The timing of Big Dreaming Ants feels auspicious. As the world seemingly unfolds around us, Nana quietly ponders identity, questioning authority, online provocation and digital clashes, and the meaning (and inherent tension) of national identity or pride.
The track follows a warm reception to previous singles “She’s Stronger,” which was released on Future Classic’s Wilder imprint, and “Throw Stones.” “She’s Stronger” was selected to be KCRW’s “Today’s Top Tune” and received positive reviews from the likes of Cat Power, Toro y Moi, and Vulfpeck. With regards to “Throw Stones,” C-Heads Magazine proclaimed that, “everything about this track is simply magic,” whilst The Voice Newspaper wrote: “Producing a sound that is rich in tonal textures and is as intimate as it is expansive…this young lady is set to be your new favourite artist you didn’t know about.”
