AMAKA Opens Up About Going Solo, Thirsting Over Pedro Pascal, & More

AMAKA Opens Up About Going Solo, Thirsting Over Pedro Pascal, & More | Close Friends

Formerly half of the R&B sister duo VanJess, AMAKA, born Jessica Nwokike, is captivating the world with her Kaytranada-produced single “cruisin’,” promising to honor the demise of VanJess by continuing on the legacy they’ve been cultivating since 2009.

Departing on her journey as a solo artist, AMAKA is reintroducing herself to the world, and in some ways, for the very first time. As she gets to know who she is as an artist in this new iteration of her career, she joined us on Close Friends to go a layer beneath the dermis, speaking on inner child healing, confronting fears, and integrating her Nigerian upbringing.

Author: Jazmin Kylene

May 3, 2023

soul

interview

R&B

amaka

close friends

Asia Holiday: To Live and Love in L.A. [Q&A]

April 28, 2026 For Holiday, music is not just about making something that sounds good. It is about growth, obedience and self-discovery, while creating work that helps people feel seen as she continues to find solace in her craft.

Author: Kiani Shabazz

soul

r&b

interview

album

asia holiday

girl i told him this

Mini Trees Is Learning to Slow Down As Her Music Career Picks Up Speed [Q&A]

April 28, 2026 Songwriter Lexi Vega reveals her relationship to time, rawness of self-discovery, major life changes, and the textural, sonic influences that have shaped ‘Slow It Down,’ her most vulnerable and important creation to date.

Author: Polina Cherezova

indie

alternative

interview

album

mini trees

slow it down

Ella Boh’s BLURRY: Character Study Of A Star On The Rise [Q&A]

April 24, 2026 Ella Boh’s artist persona may be dark and intense, but it doesn’t take long after meeting to realize that it’s just that; a caricature of herself.

Author: Giselle Libby

pop

interview

pop rock

ella boh

blurry