Soul Sensation Niva

Category: Featured artist

500x500niva

Niva lives this music life as a matter of life! NIVA the Soul Diva is the real deal. Niva is not a studio production, She can Sing and riff and spit vocal flava like the old pro's from years ago. A voice that reminds us of the greats in R&B and Soul Music. Niva is a native of Houston Texas who left everything behind in order to pursue her dream of finding success and respect as an R&B vocalist.

Niva came through and met the challenge and would have made old school soul aficionados proud. It is then that she was givien the name “Niva the Soul Diva”. Niva immediately started working with the new black music.net producers on her debut single. Niva was teamed up with Spoken Word artist Kamal Supreme. Niva took all of her pain and suffering from her time growing up in Houston Texas and poured it into the project and recorded the song ‘i will make it’. Niva also did a video for the song and niva began her career in the world of music. With mentoring from many old school professional musicians niva blossomed as a entertainer and singer and perfected her skills. Niva is constantly recording and performing and doing everything she can to make her dream come true. Niva has released a independent CD (Rollercoaster Love) through new black music.net and panache multi services group. Niva currently resides in Brooklyn New York.

Location: Houston, TX

Contact: Website | Facebook | Myspace

Urban Steez: Tell everybody your name and what area you represent?

My name is NIVA and I also go by NIVA THE SOUL DIVA. I'm originally from H Town Houston TX but now I live in Brooklyn new york.

Urban Steez: How long have you been doing music and what made you get into music?

Niva: I started singing in church when I was five. The people in the church said that I had a big loud voice. They would make me lead the church in song sometimes. I got serious about music when I was about 15. My grandfather kept telling me I had a gift and kept encouraging me. Music was a escape for me because where I was living in houston was very tough. I would watch music videos and fantasize about a better life.

Urban Steez: Glad to see you came this far… How would you describe your style and why? And what do you feel you can bring to the table as an artist?

Niva: My style is SOUL. It was not always that way but it is now. I think contemporary R&B and HipHop need soul. We are missing the spark and energy that comes along with soul music. When I was starting out all I knew was what I heard on the radio or saw on television. Like most young artist I was not educated about our musical legacy and heritage. Once I was exposed to real soul music it just felt right and natural for me. Soul music and hiphop make a great combination. Fantasia is a perfect example and I think we will see more soulful artists coming out soon.

Urban Steez: Hopefully So, because we have very few right now. What do you feel has been your greatest experience thus far as a music artist and why?

Niva: I have had many experiences that make me feel I am moving forward and climbing the ladder in this industry. I was on a show last year where I met Aretha Franklin. Performing at six flags amusement park was also a great accomplishment. I think the thing I really feel most proud of was my album release party I recently had. So many wonderful people came out and supported me. People swarmed me for autographs and the young girls really looked up to me. I felt like a star and a success.

Urban Steez: Aretha Fraklin, WoW, that’s kind of a big deal! Its good to see young girls looking up to you as apposed to others, I’m not saying any names lol.. What do you feel is the biggest challenge you face being an artist?

Niva: That's easy! The biggest challenge is getting the exposure necessary to make people want to invest in you. People always talk about internet exposure but internet exposure does not always mean you are going to sell a lot of cd's or downloads or get people to come out to your shows. It has been my experience that mainstream media exposure goes along way to making things happen. You need a substantial budget to get things popping. The more budget you have the more exposure you can get.

Urban Steez: Very true, but the internet has proven to be successful, you just have to take advantage of All resources, because there is a lot of comp when it comes to music these days. Who would you want to collaborate with in the music industry and why?

Niva: Well first I would say Bun B because he is from Houston. I'm always saying how I would love to work with Lil John. It seems like it would be so much fun. He is very soulful to you know. Oh and I tell you what. After seeing the soul train awards, I think that me and cee lo green would throw down. Cee lo is representing that soul flava like mad. This guy ain't playing. Man if I could do a track with him it would be thunder and lightning fo sho!!. ohh and don't forget R Kelly, LOL!!

Urban Steez: MAN, the Soul Train Awards was a breath of fresh air wasn’t it?!?! All that REAL talent under one building, why can’t music be like it was back in the 90s.. So how do you feel you rank against top music talents today? And why?

Niva: It's not for me to say. I look up to Beyonce, she is my inspiration. I think that Fantasia and Monica are also great artist who I think I fit in with. Alicia keys is also someone I look up to and admire. I really like Keyshia Cole as well and I think she represents our great R&B heritage very well. The reality is that people keep telling me i'm so different from everyone else so I don't even know if I fit in with anyone else. I don't know if that is a blessing or a curse. God willing one day I will be on a show with these great ladies and i'll be able to show the world what I can do. When it comes to talent forget about the recordings, it's the live shows that matter.

Urban Steez: I AGREE 100 % Live Shows is where it’s at!!What are you working on now and when can fans expect to hear more from you?

Niva: I'm starting work on a new music video. It's for my song 'come on over' from my cd. We always do a little short story to go along with the video. It's so much fun. I'm taking acting classes so it gives me a chance to sharpen my acting skills. Come on over is a real sexy song so we are still deciding on who is gonna play my man in the film and video. I will also be releasing some more free download tracks so that I can hopefully get more fans and friends.

Urban Steez: I like that you take this music game serious and you are taking acting classes to add to your craft, it goes a long way! Give readers one tip about pursuing their dreams?

Niva: Well you can go after your dreams but you may have to make compromises. If you want to be a singer and you are tone deaf and not able to sing, you may still be a great writer and or a musician. If you want to be in any industry there are many careers within that industry that may satisfy your dreams.To accomplish your goals and dreams you must be dedicated and committed 100 percent.. You must be willing to work hard and perfect your craft. You must be open to criticism. I know you asked for one thing but I don't think one Is enough. Life is not that simple. LOL

Urban Steez: Lol … So what do you want to accomplish as an overall artist?

Niva: I want to take my music and travel all over the world. I want my music to touch people of all ethnicities and races. I want people all over the world to feel happy when they hear one of my songs. I want to hear my songs all over the radio and see my name in the billboard charts. Just like Michael Jackson and the Beatles, I want to leave music behind that will still be played 50 years from now.

Urban Steez: That’s wassup! Who and what are your influences?

Niva: I am very much am influenced by Beyonce. I am also very much influenced by Tina Turner. People often say that I am like her on stage. Also Betty Wright is a huge influence on me as well s Linda Jones. Some of your readers probably don't even know who these singers are. All I can say is that they are great and people should look them up and you'll love them like I do.

Urban Steez: What do you think of the R&B/ music world right now?

Niva: I'm sorry but I don't think it's doing well at all. It's not dead but it is not doing very well. I think people are being desensitized to the music due to all of the sex and hype. A lot of rnb is just stale heard it all before. Why do you think so mny top rnb artist are doing pop and dance music now. Pick up the latest industry magazine like billboard and see how much you see about rnb in there. Once r&b ruled the music industry. It's a shame. I'm hoping that with great artist like fantasia and Monica and Cee Lo things will change. Of course don't forget about niva the soul diva! LOL!!

Urban Steez: SMH those were the days, you can just turn on the radio and let it play!! So, What music do you have playing in your sound system right now?

Niva: I got a lot of classic soul on there as well as some country artist. I love country music videos. I got everything else from Nicki Minaj to Jordan Sparks.

Urban Steez: Who is your celebrity crush?

Niva: You ain't getting me with that one.I'm in love with music.This girl has got to stay focused. But now lets see which male artist can I date to get some media buzz going. LOL

Urban Steez: Haha, I like the way you think. How can business heads and fans contact you in the future (myspace, email, number, etc.)?

Niva: For business please contact my production team This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call mr Thompson at 718 778-6063. I'd love to be friends on facebook contact me at facebook.com/nivathedivamusic On myspace hit me at myspace.com/officiallyniva Visit my personal website at nivathesouldiva.com, I built it myself LOL!!

Urban Steez: Any shot outs?

Niva: I would like to send love to my mom down in Louisiana and my team here in New York who helped me get this far. I also want you guys at urban steez to know that I really appreciate this opportunity to tell my story and speak about myself. I wish you guys much success in everything you do..