Artist Spotlight: Nia Na'an

Nia Na’an, a young African American recording artist, debuted her playful, upbeat single “Bobble Bobble Wiggle Bounce” on September 12, 2026. Blending pop, R&B, and hip-hop, the song captures her quirky, imaginative style and passion for creating music that inspires joy and self-expression.

Based between Chicago and California, Nia collaborates with veteran musician and producer John Martin Hunter, who brings decades of industry experience to her artistic development. Inspired by childhood playground games and whimsical images of jelly beans, gumdrops, and jiggling Jell-O, the single introduces Nia’s vibrant musical world.

We sat down with Nia Na'an to explore their creative journey, the inspirations behind their work, and what lies ahead in their evolving artistic career.

Eye On Pop: What’s something about you that fans might be surprised to learn?

Nia Na'an: Sometimes I look in the mirror, and I'm surprised...For a moment I don't recognize myself...I used to be a pretty nerdy kid. Actually, I guess I still am, lol.

Eye On Pop: What’s the most significant change you’ve seen in yourself since starting your music career?

Nia Na'an: I seem to be much more careful and deliberate with my use of language. Words are powerful...they can hurt or help.  They can be a compass, a weapon, a bandage. I don't throw lyrics out there without asking myself, "Is this really something I want to say?

Eye On Pop: How do you stay motivated and inspired in your daily life?

Nia Na'an: When things begin to go south on me, I always try to remind myself that it's a miracle to even be here at all, to exist, even for the short time we have. That reminder usually puts things back into a better perspective.

Eye On Pop: What does a fulfilling life look like to you beyond your music career?

Nia Na'an: Music is a craft, like any other, kind of like becoming a master carpenter of furniture, or an Olympic skater. There is much more to life than our crafts, despite the tendency to idolize them. I find that I'm most fed by my friends that have four legs, or feathers, or scales. Especially when we are together, outside "in the wild".

Eye On Pop: Where do you find inspiration for your lyrics and melodies?

Nia Na'an: All melodies come from the sum total of what we've already heard, with a pinch of our own twist. I am a child of pop music, born, weaned, and raised.  Lyrics come from life experience; you need to write what you know, and they must flow to the rhythms of a million jungle drummers.

Eye On Pop: What’s your approach to creating a unique sound?

Nia Na'an: If I told you that I'd probably have to kill you, lol.

Eye On Pop: How do you continue to improve your musical skills and knowledge?

Nia Na'an: By gradually getting older and living life, and by listening to the whole world of life at once, including other music.

Eye On Pop: What’s the most technically challenging song you’ve worked on?

Nia Na'an: Aside from a few of the Chopin Etudes when I was "learning" piano, Steely Dan's "Babylon Sisters" or "Gaucho" would certainly be up there.

Eye On Pop: Are there any upcoming projects or releases you’re excited about?

Nia Na'an: We do plan to release an entire album in '27...it's mostly recorded, although new tunes keep bubbling (bobbling?) to the surface...

Eye On Pop: What inspired the concept behind your latest project?

Nia Na'an: Bobble Bobble Wiggle Bounce" was inspired by memories of double dutch jump rope games with friends.