SINGER, SONGWRITER, PERCUSSIONIST NKAN ADELUA, WHEN YOU SAY HER NAME MAGIC HAPPENS
Ain’t it funny how things happen and how people, things and places come together. In this case my dear friend, who I call Lil sis, happened to be visiting her hometown in the Bay area. By chance she met Nkan Adelua who mentioned that she was a singer, performer and that her country of origin was, Nigeria. After checking out her social media and reading through her bio, it was clear that she was a star not just in the making but already shining. And oh does she wear the shine of success well. We talked about her commanding the stage and her use of language, sound and rhythm to tell a story. How is it that a multilingual artist from Nigeria can make such a brave and bold statement. Her soul stirring performances ringing true to her African heritage and while singing in Yoruba, Pidgin and English, have always had the ability to bring resolve and to make strong and insightful impact. Nkan has been quiet yet forcefully performing hundreds of live performances across the Bay area. Her live performances are luscious thills of powerful vocals with strong audience engagement and authentic stories. She has a wonderful presence. Her life experiences and what they have taught her about, self, life and love are tremendous. Nkan can light up the eyes of all who have seen her at festivals like the Umoja and the Richmond Heights Festival and was once told by a fan who ran up to her after seeing her perform and said , “your voice is so powerful that it could raise the dead”. And believe me when Nkan opens her mouth, the heavens sing. With influences like Miriam Makeba ad the illustrious, Angelique Kidjo it’s no wonder she is such a baddie. Establishing a footprint in her own country performing with the Theater Troupe Black Image and in 2005 released her debut album, Music of Our Ancestor produced by Kayode Samuel. As if that wasn’t good enough 2022, she popped up, Mr. D.J. and then had the creative audacity to bring a 2025 EP Surulere that proved that she was who she said that she was, delivering the hit singles, Jingbala, Tipatipa, as proof. This year in 2026, the hit California Love by Tupac, hit her in the gut. She woke up with it on her mind and begin humming. Several days later the same thing happened, the song California Love” on her mind, and then the humming, she finally decided to take her humming and singing of the hit song to the studio and released her version in February of the year. Nkan is backed by the Nkan and Faraya Band who are ready, willing and able to roll out for the Queen at a moment’s notice. Nkan is a humanitarian spirited and gifted artist and through her Nkan Hope Foundation she extends this love of life, culture and community to people all over the world. The name Nkan Adelua in the Yoruba language of southwestern Nigeria the proper tonal for the name is Nkan Adelua /Eledua translates to “Something of God” a creation of the creator. Ade means crown or royalty. Eledua refers to creation. The name is associated with natural destiny, unique talent, and spiritual identity. Individuals who are given this name often view it as a testimony to their life, voice, and personal expression are anchored in their life’s purpose. For more information on Nkan Adelua and the Nkan and Faraya Band follow https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/nkan/california-love?utm_campaign=website&