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Nathan Zola Ngangu Diambudiaku or Nathan Zola, a really talented musician from The Netherlands. He was born in Alkmaar, a city near Amsterdam. He always strives to make the best out of life. He describes the music he typically creates as uplifting and energetic. 15 days ago, he released We Don't Back Down with Regi Speaks. The message he wants to give to all his fans is: "My goal is to touch your heart and soul. I want you to look within and let my music kindle your flame."
Who are you? Who is Nathan Zola?
I am Nathan. I was bron in Alkmaar, a city near Amsterdam. My mother is Dutch and my father is from Congo. I come from a family of 4 children, two younger sisters and one older sister. Family and loyalty are one of the most important aspects of life. I like to be critical and finding out why things are the way they are. It is not always about the answer, but about the question that is asked. I like to live healthy. My alarm goes off at 4 am. Then I run 6 kilometers followed by an hour of exercise in the gym and 30 minutes meditation. That's how I start every day of the week. My physical and mental health are of great importance to me.
What makes you unique?
I combine various music genres, styles and influences. Adding to that, I try to highlight their authenticity and purity. Everything needs to be perfect, right down to the last detail. I bring the right people together for that perfect result. This can change lives in my opinion. My mission is to use everything that makes me unique and use it to my advantage.
What drew you to the music industry?
I think Michael Jackson, Ryan Leslie, James Brown and 2pac have been big influences. They made me choose to enter the music industry.
Who inspired you to make music?
My dad inspired me to make music! He was a percussion teacher with the focus on Djembé. I was raised in a family that played music every day and night. At very young age I built my own drum set in the garden from branches and pans. We regularly visited our grandmother. She taught us how to play the piano. Growing up with music surrounding me every day triggered me naturally to keep making music.
What time of the past year would you like to experience again?
If there is one thing that I want to experience again, it would be spending time with my mom. My mother past away last year and that is still very difficult for me. My mother was my best friend, my number one supporter and my hero. She will always be that for me.
"I want to thank God for the gift of making music. I want to thank all my friends, family and fans for supporting me. You make it possible to continue my existence as an artist."
Did you always know that you wanted to work in the music industry?
I've known since I was young that I wanted to be in the music industry. However, sometimes I doubted. Doubts often arose from setbacks. I don't think it was my doubts about my career, but more often about myself and my own abilities.
What is your top 5 favorite songs of all time and why?
5. Dedication - Nipsey Hussle ft. Kendrick Lamar This song is a translation of my life. It reminds me to never give up.
4. Rock my world - Michael Jackson The way this song was created was such a life changing moment for me. My musicality has grown tremendously by listening to Michael Jackson a lot.
3. You can call me all - Paul Simon This song reminds me to a very special time with my parents. Paul Simon is a phenomenal artist with many musical influences.
2. Human Nature - Michael Jackson, I don’t know why, but Human Nature makes me think, it calms me down and makes me want to work on myself. The music production is incredible and it definitely broadened my musicality. The instruments in the song are super subtle. They make a perfect harmony.
1. Another Day in Paradise - Phill Collins This song is tied to a childhood memory which has inspired me till this day.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
Yes there is a hidden meaning, but I would like to keep it that way. The listeners can find out for themselves, it could mean something different to them.
Can you explain your creative process for making We Don't Back Down?
Regi Speaks and I sat together in the car thinking about whether we could write a song related to the protests that are currently going on around the world. I’ve had to deal with racism myself. This made me feel extra called out to let our voice be heard. The voice is not mine alone, but it’s also other people who don't get a fair chance to tell their story.
How would you describe We Don't Back Down?
Revolutionairy, uplifting, energetic and rebellious.
What is the reason behind this track?
I was reminded of the injustice and suffering in this world. We wanted to write a new song together. Due to world conditions, We Don't Back Down became the subject. We went looking for old original sounds and combined them with newer music influences.
What is next for you? I'm currently working on my album. One thing that I can reveal is that the whole album is a mix of many different styles. Before my album drops there will be a few more single releases and after that I will go on tours around the world.
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