London-based Belgian Congolese singer Lyne Nsongo unveils her new single/music video, “Royal,” lifted from her forthcoming second EP.
At once inspiring and empowering, “Royal” relays the significance and royalty of women atop R&B savors tinted with the thrumming oomph of trap, while Lyne’s crème de la crème tones imbue the lyrics with luscious textures.
“Girl you gonna have to know your worth / Cos not knowing is just gon make things worst / Gotta know that you was made of gold / Handmade by the only one.”
Originally from Belgium, where she grew up immersed in music, followed by studying music and taking dance classes, Lyn evolved her luscious sound working with her brother and producer D.E.W.I. Now residing in London, she’s been featured in Trench Magazine, Red Bull, Capital Xtra, Missguided, Reprezent Radio, and GirlsIRate.
The video, directed by James Agbona, depicts Lyne singing and dancing in a chapel, signifying the sacred value of women.
CelebMix spoke with Lyne Nsongo to find out more about the person behind the music, the inspiration for “Royal,” and her songwriting process.
What three things can’t you live without?
God, music, and orange juice…
What inspired your new single “Royal?”
After conversations with female friends and colleagues, I realized a lot of women struggle with their identity. They feel lost, don’t know their worth, and are insecure about who they are and their abilities to work towards their goals. This song aims to highlight this, to make them realize their worth and their royalty in God’s eyes.
What’s your songwriting process? Melody first, or lyrics?
Most of the time I make yogurt on a beat. This means just melodies with no words. Then once I get my melodies down, I write on top. However it happens, I write first, then sing it.
What do you hope your fans/listeners take away when they listen to your music?
First, that gospel music doesn’t need to only be the whole choir/worship sound. My aim is to make gospel music accessible to anybody, even non-Christians. Secondly, I hope they can find guidance, a person to relate to, and maybe a way to strengthen their faith or simply discover God a way they didn’t expect to.
How did you get started in music? What’s the backstory there?
When I was young, my dad forced me to take piano lessons in a classical music academy, but I also had exams and assignments and I didn’t really enjoy that stress. Later, when I realized I enjoyed singing and playing keys at the same time, I started vocal lessons. At the age of 17, I moved to the UK to join my brother, a music producer who had moved there a couple of years before me. I studied at the academy of contemporary music in Guildford and from there, I took music as a serious project.
Which musicians/vocalists influenced you the most?
Alicia Keys is 100% the artist that I related to at a young age. Playing keys and singing is something I saw her do and that inspired me to do the same. Right now, Kehlani and Jhene Aiko are two types of sounds I really connect with.
Which artists in your opinion are killing it right now?
Savannah Ré is an artist from Toronto that I discovered this year. She recently dropped an album, Opia, and I strongly think she killed it.
You’re working on a new EP. What can you share about it?
Right now I’m actually focused on a couple more singles before I drop an EP. It’s definitely in the timeline though…
Why do you make music?
To express myself through art and to influence others. Music is the best way to share and receive messages. The way I feel when I listen to certain songs, I want my audience to have the same feeling. It’s simply my passion.
Looking ahead, what’s next?
More music, what I can say is that there’ll be a few features, and artists from London and Belgium will be involved.
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