Afrobaby, the stage name of Vanessa Ndukuba, describes her music as “soundtracks for vulnerable conversations.” At 30, Afrobaby crafts ethereal liquid drum and bass tracks infused with elements of electronica and indie, focusing on themes of healing, anxiety, love, and mourning.
Following a standout performance at St George’s Hall, recognition from BBC Music Introducing, and numerous radio plays, Afrobaby is gearing up to release her debut EP, SAFE SPACE, on November 22.
Vanessa, who grew up in Holme Wood and now resides in East Bowling, explains that her new music delves into some of her most profound thoughts. Her love for music began in her early years, inspired by her mother’s favorite artists like Bob Marley, Lionel Richie, and Whitney Houston. She joined the school choir and participated in musicals towards the end of primary school.
“I picked up the guitar around age 14 or 15,” Vanessa recalls, “while still active in school musicals and the choir.”
As she moved into songwriting, Vanessa faced personal challenges, including the loss of her grandfather, which inspired her to write about her emotions. She reflects, “Grieving is a lonely experience, even when shared with others. My music aims to help listeners feel less isolated and alleviate the pressure of rushing through their grief.”
Her upcoming EP will focus more on anxiety and its impact on daily life and self-esteem, with plans to explore grief in future projects. “It’s like a coping mechanism,” she says.
What began as a hobby has evolved into a career for Vanessa, who dreams of performing at festivals and using music as a form of therapy. She notes, “Turning negative feelings into positive ones through songwriting has been a source of comfort during dark times. After my mother passed away, I found new confidence in music production and recording.”
Looking forward to Bradford’s cultural renaissance, Vanessa feels optimistic. “Bradford is finally getting the recognition it deserves. There’s a wealth of talented artists from Bradford, and the negative stereotypes are shifting.”
