My Ears Through the Years with Nnena Nwakodo
Welcome back to My Ears Through the Years!
Next up – what do Kendrick Lamar, the Spice Girls, and Fela Kuti have in common? It’s our next guest, global head of music videos and executive producer at magna studios, Nnena Nwakodo! An experienced producer, Nnena’s diverse range of work includes television commercials, branded content, music videos and short film. Beyond her professional achievements, Nnena is actively involved in mentoring and supporting emerging talent. She is associated with Apprentice Nation and London Screen Academy, where she offers guidance on the industry.
But what tracks are powering through Nnena through her career? (and her deadlifts for that matter!) Let’s find out.
Q>Hi Nnena! Tell us, what’s your first memory of music?
Nnena>Growing up in London, some of my earliest memories of music are from Notting Hill Carnival. I’ve been going ever since I was a baby. Because of that, Soca and Reggae will always have a special place in my heart. I have such fond memories of Carnival as a little girl and haven’t missed a year since! It’s like my Christmas.
Q>The first music you bought yourself?
Nnena>The first album I remember owning was SPICE by the Spice Girls. Just picturing the album cover fills me with pure nostalgia. It might actually be one of my earliest memories—I can vividly recall holding the CD and playing it on repeat nonstop. That poor little disc never got a break. I also distinctively remember getting the Sweet Like Chocolate by Shanks and Big Foot CD, the single artwork and video are imprinted in my mind.
Q>Your first gig?
Nnena>First was The Teenagers. Second was Foals in Camden…I had a painfully long indie era. Definitely proudest of seeing Kendrick at Electric Ballroom with about 200 other people in 2012. Tickets were only £17.50
Q>Your first slow dance?
Nnena>I know it’s not a slow dance and I know it’s so inappropriate… but I vividly remember dancing to ‘Horny’ by Hot N Juicy at my Year 6 Valentines Disco. So many questions but mainly, why was this playing at a year 6 disco?!
Q>A song you grew up with?
Nnena>I was lucky to grow up with parents who had great music taste. My Dad is from Nigeria and often would play Fela Kuti growing up. I still listen to Fela most days, one of my musical heroes. The fact that he could play saxophone, keyboards, trumpet, guitar, drums AND sing is insane. Also a political activist. If I could go back in time to one gig it would have to be Fela at his venue, The Shrine in Lagos. “Trouble Sleep Yanga Go Wake Am” is quite melancholic but one of my favourites - a 12-minute cautionary tale about ignoring the inevitable.
My Mum also had great music taste and was actually the person to introduce me to Red Hot Chili Peppers and…Amy Winehouse - the artist of my life! We both still love her so much. You can often find me, my Mum and sister singing ‘Dani California’ or ‘Tears Dry On Their Own’ at midnight on Christmas or birthdays or any other occasion
Q>You go-to for karaoke?
Nnena>I will never beat my sister’s go-to karaoke song – ‘Young Hearts, Run Free’ by Candi Staton. She lets me duet it with her now which is a great honour.
Q>Your musical guilty pleasure?
Nnena>I don’t believe in guilty pleasures but if there ever was one it would be this… Becky Hill. She is never not in me and my sisters’ Spotify Wrapped. I can’t help it. Sometimes a bit of dance pop is the only thing that will help me lift a heavier weight. Becky definitely got me to my deadlift PB lol.
Q>A song that reminds you of friends or family?
Nnena>‘Could Heaven Ever Be Like’ this by Idris Muhammad. It reminds me of a specific festival in Croatia in 2018 with a big group of friends. We had hired a boat, anchored it, and played this song on repeat while dancing and swimming. Pure joy. Now every time I play it, it reminds me of then, and all my friends and all my family - my most prized possessions.
Q>A song you wish you wrote?
Nnena>‘Sing About Me, I’m Dying Of Thirst’ by Kendrick Lamar. This is half in the lyrics, half in the production. Kendrick is the master of storytelling but there’s something about the use of sound effects and structure in this song that blows my mind. The abrupt stop to his rapping after the gun shots and the slow fade out of the lyrics after the “I’ll never fade away” line. Genius. I could talk about Kendrick's genius for days.
Q>Your musical unpopular opinion?
Nnena>Taylor Swift makes terrible music. Sorry.
Q>Your desert island disc?
Nnena>This is such a tough choice, but honestly, it has to be my all-time favourite song — ‘93 'til Infinity’ by Souls Of Mischief. There’s something about it that always calms me, no matter where I am or what’s going on in my life. To me, this track is a reminder to let go of worries, chill out, and appreciate the simple joys of life—the holy trinity of happiness. It’s got this timeless quality that feels both nostalgic and grounding. Plus, I was born in ’93, so in a way, it feels like a spiritual affirmation.
Q>Your funeral song?
Nnena>‘How Can You Mend A Broken Heart’ by Al Green. Everyone needs to be crying their eyes out.
Q>Best sync moment?
Nnena>This has to be in Mean Girls when the Plastics are walking down the school corridor to ‘Pass That Dutch’ by Missy Elliot. ICONIC.
Q>Music that made an ad campaign?
Nnena>Probably the most obvious answer but ‘Phat Planet’ by Leftfield on Guinness Horses still tops it for me.
Q>Best theme song?
Nnena>The theme song for the cartoon, Proud Family. Famously sang by Destiny’s Child and Solange Knowles. Unrivalled.
Q>Favourite film soundtrack?
Nnena>Shrek 2
Q>A track you’d love to sync?
Nnena>I’d love to sync ‘Something On Your Mind’ by Karen Dalton. The most achingly sad song ever. Her voice is so raw and expressive.
