Nia Chennai is an emerging R&B artist blending soulful melodies with honest, introspective songwriting. Born in South London and raised in Surrey, Nia grew up surrounded by a wide range of musical influences that shaped her sound and storytelling. She began writing original songs and posting covers online, drawing inspiration from personal experiences and the world around her.
In November 2023, Nia released her debut EP Diary Is A Waste Of Paper, which earned praise for its raw, relatable themes. The project explored love, heartbreak, and self-discovery through emotionally rich production and powerful vocals.
Nia now returns with Give It Up, a new single featuring fellow R&B artist Ella More. The track reflects on the clarity and strength that come with walking away from what no longer serves you.
“Give It Up” has such a strong message about walking away from what no longer serves you. Can you tell us a bit about where your head was at when you wrote it — and how that collab with Ella More came to life?
I wrote “Give It Up” when I’d fully come out the other side of a breakup, that point where you’ve found yourself again. So when me and Ella got to chatting, relationships came up naturally, and we both connected on that feeling of finally having the strength to walk away. It was something we’d both lived through, and I think that honesty really shaped the track.
We’d been wanting to work together since meeting at a show earlier that summer, so when she came into the session, it just flowed. Nothing was forced, we kept it real and got stuck in. I think you can hear that chemistry in the song.
You’ve been championed by platforms like COLORS and Earmilk, and worked with brands like Lemonade Dolls. Has anything surprised you about how your music has connected with people so far?
Honestly, when someone goes out of their way to tell me they love a song, especially in real life, and I can feel their excitement, it reminds me how many people I actually connect with. It’s mad! This year, one supporter even started a fan account (shout out to Holly — she’s a real one).
The fact that I’m just writing from my own experiences and people feel seen through that? That means so much. And getting support from platforms like COLORS is sick, I’d love to perform for them one day, so them taking notice shows I’m on the right track. Plus, it proves they’ve got good music taste, lol.
What’s one thing that’s helped you stay true to yourself as your career starts to build — whether in music, branding, or just life in general?
I’ve learned to check in with myself, how I feel, my vision, and what I see for myself in my career before I say yes to anything. I’ve actually been reading The Artist's Way, and it’s really helping me understand myself and what I want better. Whether it’s a song, a collab, or even a photo shoot, I always ask: “Does this feel like me?” Not every opportunity is the right one, so staying true to my path is the most important.
A lot of early-stage artists struggle with building confidence or feeling “ready.” What’s something that’s helped you push through those doubts and keep going?
If I waited to feel “ready,” I wouldn’t have released anything or done half the things I’ve done. You just have to be a little delusional and back yourself and then learn as you go. Every song, every performance, every awkward moment has helped build my confidence bit by bit. I’m still learning every time. It’s not about being fearless, it's about doing it anyway.
There have been times I’ve felt sick before going on stage, come off shaking, or dealt with serious imposter syndrome while creating and yet I still have this burning desire to keep going. One thing that keeps me going is a pic of baby nia on my Lock Screen I . I look at it and think, “I’m doing this for you, girl.”
You’ve built a sound and brand that really feels like you — what advice would you give to artists trying to figure out who they are creatively and how to express that?
Try everything, but listen to what sticks. It took me some time to realise what felt natural and what didn’t, and that’s part of the process.
It can get really confusing comparing yourself to your peers or the greats before you. But most of the time, the real you comes naturally, that “natural sauce.” That’s why it feels wrong when you try to copy somebody else’s vibe. Don’t be scared to lean into your own.
You’re meant to stand out, so don’t hide. God didn’t give you this dream for no reason. Dig deep, get to know yourself, and show up for yourself every day!