NIA SMITH RELEASES REMIX OF “PERSONAL” FEATURING DANCEHALL GLOBAL STAR POPCAAN

 

NIA SMITH RELEASES REMIX OF “PERSONAL” FEATURING DANCEHALL GLOBAL STAR POPCAAN

British musician Nia Smith has blessed fans with a new version of her new single “Personal” featuring an artist who needs no introduction, Popcaan. Only released a month ago, “Personal” has amassed over a million streams. Nia has also seen her monthly listeners jump to 400k+ on Spotify, a huge achievement with only 2 singles released.

Produced by Grammy-award-winner Jimmy Napes & Dom Valentino and written with Ed Thomas, Nia elaborates what working with Popcaan was like. “First feature is thee Popcaan?! The song already had that island essence so it was only right to get one of my fav Jamaican artists on the remix. As soon as his verse came in I was like “yeahhhh this is it”. it’s a lifestyle momenttttt.”

With an easy and minimalist instrumental introduction, Nia’s impressive vocals take center stage on “Personal.” Popcaan’s captivating verse & adlibs perfectly compliments the tone of the track. Truly embracing the energy of the song, Popcaan is the perfect addition to this searing anthem. The incredible presence of her voice amplifies the message of the song, namely Nia standing up for herself and letting an unnamed man know what she thinks of him. Calm and powerful, the track also features a brand-new video featuring Popcaan himself. 

Shot in London, the visual takes places in the quintessential British home, featuring Nia’s friends and family. Bustling with life and activity, the video shows a party; with plating of food, children playing, Nia escaping to sit out of the window, and of course the staple of any house party - dancing in the living room. Capturing a day in Nia’s life, this visual snapshot shows the community behind her. 

“Personal” and its second iteration follow on from the release of Nia's debut single “Give Up The Fear”, which is an earnest and heartfelt offering that received huge support from the likes of NME, VIBE, Wonderland, British Vogue, Rolling Stone and more.

Nia has been singing since her early years; writing songs from the age of 14, she soon learned the guitar and piano, before attending a succession of prestigious music schools, including the Brit School, followed by ELAM. Her interest in music stemmed from her dad’s record collection playing around the house and she was brought up on a versatile musical diet listening to a range of artists from Aretha Franklin to Lauryn Hill, Adele, and Amy Winehouse. “I would steal his iPod and learn the lyrics,” she recalls.

Nia soon started garnering buzz via her breathtaking covers and song clips on TikTok (her cover of Adele’s ‘Set Fire To The Rain’ has over 3 million views). She’s also a striking live performer having supported Mahalia in Manchester in 2021, and then Tems at London’s iconic Koko, the following year. In 2023 she sold out her first-ever solo show at BeauBeaus (she can namecheck its owner, renowned British artist Slawn, as a fan) - “I was always hustling to try to get on stage,” she grins. It’s evident that seeing the hustle and bustle around her, life in Brixton gave Nia a sense that there was always something she could be doing to make things happen. 

Fast forward to now and Nia is able to present her art to the world. Powerful and technically impressive, there is a tender vulnerability threaded through her storytelling and although she may just be getting started, Nia’s songs already feel accomplished and full of heart. Further honing her live craft, Nia performed at Mahalia Presents at the Jazz Cafe, supported Pip Millett at Somerset House & played before SZA at BST, Hyde Park. Nia is also performing today at All Points East. 

Stream/watch the video to “Personal” featuring Popcaan below, a sublime introduction to a generational new voice.

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