Etheldreda D. Nanfa: Thank you Jamila Laade for accepting our invitation to interview. To our audience, who is Jamila Laade?

 

Jamila Laade: Sure! I’m Jamila, 20 years old, and I just graduated last summer. I’m a musician, a singer, and a songwriter. Music has been a big part of my life, as I attended a music-focused school and took seven to eight years of vocal lessons. A few years ago, I met a friend through an exchange program with the German-American Institute in Tübingen. He was studying to be a music producer, and we ended up creating my first song, a birthday gift for my best friend. It was a song about how much I value her, and making that song helped me realize how much I love creating music. Even though I haven’t released many songs yet, I love collaborating with others. Music is one of the strongest tools we have, and I enjoy using it to express myself and connect with others. I’ve been writing all my life, mainly as a way to process my thoughts. German literature, especially poetry, inspires me. Eventually, I began turning my diary reflections into song lyrics, capturing how I feel or sharing someone else’s story that has caught my attention. I also enjoy performing live, feeling that shared energy with an audience — it’s such a beautiful human experience. That’s pretty much to me.

 

Etheldreda D. Nanfa: Thank you, Jamila. You have two songs, Look Through My Eyes and Island Dreams. They seem to hold a special emotional connection. Can you tell us more about these songs? From what I gathered, Look Through My Eyes reflects themes like self-worth and friendship. Does it convey a specific message?

Jamila Laade: There’s not just one specific message. My writing is generally a reflection of what I’m feeling at the time, so it varies. Both of these songs reveal my romantic side — Island Dreams centers on romantic love, while Look Through My Eyes is about platonic love and friendship. The friend I wrote it about, was one of the first people who truly saw me for who I am, without seeing my skin colour or the way I grew up — she just saw me, accepted me fully, and appreciated me for who I am, especially for me, growing up in a small town in Germany, I didn’t have many friends for a long time. There were different reasons for that, but a big part was due to racism. That’s what makes people like her so special. I love writing about people who are just genuinely awesome and who appreciate you unconditionally. That’s what inspired these two songs. To add to my live gigs,  I’ll also be performing an unreleased song called Chocolate Babies at an upcoming event. That song addresses the fetishization of Black children and how it feels to be singled out in everyday situations in Germany, like a feeling of walking down the streets in Germany and realizing you’re singled out — seeing people actually cross the street to avoid you. Or being on a packed train and noticing people would rather stand than sit next to you. That’s what this song is about. But I don’t want to limit myself to just one topic in what I’m saying now or in what I want to express in the future.

Etheldreda D. Nanfa: Given these experiences, how do terms like Afro-German, African diaspora, and “Black person” resonate with you? How has dealing with racism influenced your self-expression in music?

Jamila Laade: I do resonate with these terms, and I’m very proud to be a Black woman. I’ve reached a point in my life where it genuinely excites me — I think it’s amazing, and I wouldn’t want to be anything else – I embrace that part of me fully. But I feel like people, especially White people, often forget that I’m mixed. It happens a lot, especially in the town where I live. Even when you’re mixed, people will sometimes overlook that part of your identity. They’ll come up to me and start talking about their trips to Africa, and I’m just standing there like, ‘That’s cool, but it really has nothing to do with me at  this moment.’ It can be hard being put into a box, and it’s also hard not fitting neatly into any box because I’m both White and Black. At the end of the day, these experiences have made me stronger. They’ve also made me more aware of how I want to be sensitive with others and avoid making people feel the way I’ve sometimes felt. I think we could all be a bit more mindful of what we say and imply, as we don’t always know how it will affect someone.

Etheldreda D. Nanfa: Do you feel we’re moving toward a more unified society where people are accepted as they are? Or do you think there’s still a long way to go?

Jamila Laade: Personally, I’m at peace with my identity and even enjoy it now. I’m proud of it — it is a unique feeling. But I don’t think society is as progressive as some believe. A lot of people believe that racism is a thing of the past or that we talk about it too much, I don’t think that’s the case. There are still so many issues that need addressing, especially coming from a smaller town where people sometimes have limited perspectives. People often say things that are completely out of line, without even realizing it. For instance, I remember when I was a child, older ladies would come up to me and say I was cute —  but then they’d look at my mom and say, ‘Oh, she looks like a little ape.’ You get that they’re trying to be complimentary, but the way they express it is just wrong. Then, of course, there’s still outright hatred and violence against Black people. While we may talk about them more, not enough is being done. Black people are resilient, which sometimes gives the false impression that everything is fine when it isn’t. There’s still a long way to go until we, as Black people, receive the understanding and sensitivity we deserve.

Etheldreda D. Nanfa: I completely understand. This actually leads me to my next question. You sing in English, correct?

 

Jamila Laade: Yes, I sing in English. 

Etheldreda D. Nanfa: In your artistic career so far, have you faced any challenges related to your racial identity? Do you feel that it has influenced your views on identity politics in any way? Also, I noticed on Instagram that you were involved in the Black Lives Matter movement — correct me if I’m wrong. How have these dynamics affected who you are today? Have they added any value to your musical career or shaped the perspectives and messages you share with your audience?

Jamila Laade: The first thing I should mention is that I’m still a small artist. I don’t have a big fan base yet; I’m really at the beginning of my career. Most of the people who listen to my music are Germans, especially since all of my live performances have been in Germany. One thing I notice often is this stereotype that Black people can naturally sing and dance, like it’s just ‘in our blood’ or something. That stereotype can be an easy way for people to overlook the years of vocal training and hard work I’ve put in. I’ve been doing this for a long time, putting in the effort to improve, and even though I’m not where I want to be yet, I’ve come a long way. These kinds of clichés tend to minimize the effort artists put into their craft.

 

On the other hand, I think movements like Black Lives Matter have really opened a lot of eyes, especially by highlighting police targeting and brutality in such an undeniable way. It reached so many people and had a huge impact, which I think was essential. And then there’s also the influence of Black music and pop culture, especially from the U.S., which has become so popular in Europe. It’s now seen as ‘cool’ to be Black in some ways, especially in the music scene. And again, this has its advantages; you don’t always face negative responses, which is a relief. But at the same time, it can also feel like I’m being reduced to just being ‘the Black singer.’ For example, I often get song requests for tracks originally sung by Black artists. I love performing songs by Aretha Franklin — there’s no issue there — but sometimes you can tell that people are giving you specific opportunities just because you’re Black. It feels like I’m being boxed into that one dimension, even though I’m much more than that. My music is much more than that, and I’m proud of it, but it doesn’t define all of me.

 

Another experience I had was in school, where I sometimes felt like a bit of a ‘poster girl’ for diversity. People would feature me or talk about me as this diverse, talented student, and it started to feel like I was more of a symbol than a person. I don’t need or want to constantly talk about my Black identity — that’s not all of who I am. But this experience made me realize that I want to create music that people can genuinely relate to and understand because that’s what has  helped me so much.

 

Listening to music by artists who’ve been through similar struggles has been powerful for me, and it’s the kind of music I want to make. I especially want young Black girls who don’t feel accepted to hear my songs and think, ‘Yes, it’s cool to be me. I’m not alone.’ I want them to know that even someone who seems confident has gone through these struggles, too.

Etheldreda D. Nanfa: I’d like to commend you on everything you’ve accomplished so far. You may call yourself a debut artist, but you can’t overlook the milestones you’ve already achieved. You deserve recognition for that, and I applaud you. Looking forward to seeing you on the Billboard charts someday, and I’ll be glad to say, ‘I interviewed Jamila; it was such a beautiful conversation.’ As a Black artist, I know you face challenges with identity and sometimes prefer not to focus on being Black all the time. It can put you in a difficult position because, while you want to be accepted for who you are, you also want to express your identity on your own terms. So tell me, how do you integrate your identity into your music? How do you express your Blackness within your work? I know you’ve mentioned that self-expression is a big part of your process, but in terms of the cultural dialogue of being Black, how does that come through in your music?

Jamila Laade: I’m really inspired by other Black artists, especially by the beautiful way many African countries create music. They use sounds and rhythms that aren’t as common in Western music, and even if I’m not sampling those sounds directly, I like to keep them in the back of my mind. They remind me of all the different things I can do and that I don’t have to limit myself to any single style. In my writing process, everything I create is from my own perspective and feelings, so it naturally reflects my experiences as a Black person in Germany. My experiences and emotions are shaped by who I am, and that comes through in my music. As Black people, we have this incredible privilege of being connected to some of the best musicians in the world. Of course, everyone can be inspired by them, but I’m especially proud to feel that connection — to know that I can resonate deeply with what those artists express.

 

In that connection, my influences are really varied. I draw from rap, hip-hop, and even old African folk songs. My mom has traveled to Africa a few times and brought back these CDs from little shops that don’t even have labels — they’re not on Spotify or anything, just unique, authentic music from different African countries. I love reggae’s laid-back positivity– – even when facing pain or struggle, there’s a positive, relaxed energy that I think is beautiful. Another genre I’m passionate about is neo-soul, with artists like Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu being two of my biggest influences. I love how they represent what it means to be Black in a predominantly white America, yet maintain and celebrate their cultural identity. It shows in their music, style, and performances. I try to do something similar because they inspire me so much. And as for my stage presence, I like to incorporate different styles, including colour schemes and head wraps from African cultures. These elements make me feel powerful in a way that’s hard to explain but deeply important. My hair is also a big part of this — it’s truly my crown. No matter the hairstyle, it has to feel right because it’s a source of strength for me. Altogether, these choices make the experience feel complete and authentic.

Etheldreda D. Nanfa: Yes, you should absolutely wear your crown and be proud of it! I’m glad you brought that up, as I was just about to ask you about your artistic appearance during performances and how you incorporate elements of Africanness into your stage presence. I’m happy we touched on that already.

Jamila Laade: But I also feel that I don’t need to do something specific to show either my African or my White side. I never feel that way. I see myself as both, and the things I like, the things I choose to wear, and what makes me feel strong, beautiful, or confident — those are the right things for me to wear. Those choices make me feel most authentic and comfortable on stage.

Etheldreda D. Nanfa: I’m really glad to hear that. But do you ever feel a conflict of identity in any way?

Jamila Laade: I struggled a lot with this when I was younger. I didn’t know where I belonged. I grew up with my mom, who is White, since my father isn’t in the picture, so I only had her perspective and her way of doing things. Now I realize that I only had access to the children’s books she read to me, but thankfully she had a wide range of music, including music from Africa and some that my father used to listen to. Growing up with her made things a bit harder — not because she didn’t try, but because there were things she simply didn’t know about. She didn’t know how to properly take care of my hair or exactly what it felt like to be me.

I don’t know if I was just more sensitive back then, but people seemed much meaner. Things aren’t perfect now, of course, and we still have a lot of work to do, but I feel like back then, there was no filter. People weren’t afraid of being ‘canceled’ and would just say blatantly racist things. I remember being the only one not invited to birthday parties and other situations like that. It’s really hard because those experiences make you question whether there’s something wrong with you. Even though my mom would tell me I was great the way I was and that I was awesome, but then, you need to hear that from others too. You need to feel it from the world around you, and I wasn’t getting that.

And there were so many instances of microaggressions — or, really, things that weren’t so ‘micro’ at all. Like not being invited to get-togethers as earlier mentioned. I remember one situation very clearly from kindergarten. I was really small, and all the other kids decided they didn’t want to play with me because they thought I was ‘dirty’.’I remember me running to the bathroom, trying to find the dirt on me, actually believing them. I looked for a long time before I realized they were talking about my skin. Experiences like that are so hurtful and make it difficult to accept yourself, to believe that you’re worthy and deserving  respect. Especially at the beginning of puberty, it made me really unhappy, and I started to hate a lot of things around me. I wasn’t nice to others, either, as a way of coping, which was unhealthy for both me and those around me. It all came from not knowing where I fit in and not having that self-love and self-respect because people had torn it down so many times over something I couldn’t control.

As I got older, the conflict shifted, especially around relationships. I watched my White friends get attention from boys, start dating, and have all these experiences while no one showed that interest in me. No one wanted to date me or even consider me that way. It wasn’t even a thought for people to have a Black girlfriend. That made me struggle with my appearance a lot and feel unattractive, especially with my hair. I taught myself how to cornrow and braid so I could care for it myself, and once I learned, I saw how beautiful it could be. But it took a lot to get there. Experiences like these have really shaped my youth, leaving me feeling torn and like I didn’t belong.

Etheldreda D. Nanfa: And today, how do you feel about yourself? As we wrap up, I’d love to know — how do you feel now?

Jamila Laade: I feel very proud most of the time. I feel beautiful, especially when I look at some of the most beautiful women I know, who are Black. In my life and around the world, I see that being Black adds to their beauty, not the opposite. For example, when I look at my niece, who’s only a year younger than me and feels more like a sister, I realize she’s one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever known. Her Blackness doesn’t take away from her beauty; it enhances it. And once I understood that, I became much more comfortable in my own skin. Feeling at ease with myself radiated a kind of happiness and energy that made others want to be around me. With that came a lot of friends — amazing people in my life who I love and who respect me. I truly believe that the key to getting through all these struggles is surrounding yourself with people who respect and love you for who you are. Without them, I don’t think I could be the person I am today — comfortable and proud of myself most of the time. So yes, I feel good. I’m happy to be me.

Etheldreda D. Nanfa: You’ve shared such a beautiful insight into your connection with yourself, how you relate to a broader audience, and the ways you’ve navigated identity challenges as a Black person living in Germany. To wrap it all up, it would be meaningful for us to highlight you in our calendar. So, my final question is: are there any significant dates, events, or moments in your life that are particularly special to you that you’d like us to feature in the calendar? It could be your birthday or another date that holds meaning for you. If there’s anything that comes to mind, please let us know so we can include it in the calendar

Jamila Laade: Actually I have three in mind. The first one would be the day I graduated. It wasn’t on the usual graduation day — I graduated a week later because I failed math initially. I don’t particularly like the school system; I believe there’s a lot wrong with it. School was one of the hardest times of my life, especially since I was the only Black student there for a long time. Graduating was a big moment for me — it felt like a huge accomplishment because I pushed through and made it to the end. So that would be a really meaningful date to include, although I’ll need to look up the exact date and email it to you.

The second date would be in April, I believe. It was my first time playing at a festival, and it was a really beautiful experience. A girl in the audience, who was also mixed, came up to me afterward. She had tears in her eyes and told me how much my song, which speaks about the struggles of being a Black girl in Germany, resonated with her. She felt comforted knowing that her experience wasn’t just hers alone. That moment reminded me why I make music. It made me feel so happy and proud to have written something meaningful, so that day was truly special. The third date would be my niece’s birthday because she’s so special to me. She’s beautiful, awesome, and just wonderful.

 

Etheldreda D. Nanfa: Perfect! Thank you so much. 

Jamila Laade: Thank you for interviewing me.