Nilton De Menezes aka NDMA is a name that’s been on my must-watch list for over a year now. It’s definitely not his fault that I haven’t seen him perform in person yet. The man has been everywhere, with NXNE, Bluesfest and Arboretum being the big shows for him this summer, but he’s played all over town several times over. So, blame it on me…and my new daddy responsibilities. Maybe I’ll try to make it up to Nilton by going to check him out with son in tow.
NDMA was born in Angola and raised in Brazil and recognized the important relationship between music and community from an early age. He is more than an MC – as his bio includes director, songwriter, musician, producer and fashion blogger. Time will tell if he can be successful at all these endeavours, but so far he is off to a great start on him musical career.
How would you describe your sound?
My sounds is hard to explain because I tend to not be limited by one genre of music, however they always have my touch to it. But I guess if we really had to describe it, I would say urban electronic hip hop.
How long have you been playing music, and how has your sound evolved over that time?
I have been playing for less then two years, but I was always into music. My mother directed a choir when I was younger so I was forced to be in it. Lol. I was always into music and released my first mix tape in high school, but I left music aside when I went to Canterbury for theatre. In my 2nd year at Carleton I decided to drop out and teach myself how to produce music and really go for it. My production took me to another direction because I was really into indie and electronic music, but I still had the hip hop roots within me and it all came together.
What are you hoping to get out of your Bluesfest performance?
For Bluesfest, I want to show that Ottawa has talent. Not so much me, but the musicians that we collaborate with. I feel that the Ottawa crowds pay so much attention to what’s going on in other cities that we forget about our own talented artists.
Are there any other bands on the bill you’re excited to see?
Bands on the bill that I would love to see are City Fidelia, DJ Acro, Wu-Tang, Diamond Rings and Dan Deacon.
Bike, skateboard or car?
I would have to say bike, sometimes long board 🙂
Check NDMA’s banging first single of his “505” EP.
NDMA – Whiskey from Michael Cumming on Vimeo.
NDMA plays the Black Sheep Stage Saturday, July 6 at 3:15pm.
