Nenda - This Album Is For Ben Tour

Four years after the breakout success of "Mixed Feelings" (which topped the FM4 annual charts in 2021 and was nominated for the Amadeus Austrian Music Award), NENDA releases her debut album "KRRRA," which fights against racism, nationalism, and patriarchy, while also addressing the loss of her heart brother. NENDA is a musician, actress, and filmmaker. Her roots are a mix of Vienna, Tyrol, and Nigeria. She sings, raps, and writes her own lyrics—lyrics that are combative, funny, and emotionally open.

Musically, "KRRRA" is as diverse as its themes: Hip Hop, Spoken Word, and Conscious Rap meet Indie Rock, with moments of Big Band, Jazz, and Indie Pop in between. The album was co-written and produced by music legend Femi Temowo (Amy Winehouse, Soweto Kinch). In the title track "KRRRA," she draws on the Austrian Krampus tradition. The Krampus, a monster that puts "naughty children" in its sack, is not feared here but is instead devoured by NENDA. Rather than being abducted by a symbol of nationalist and toxic masculinity, NENDA "claws" its fur, puts it on, and takes back the power. "What a hassle, and it doesn't quite fit me, but I'd rather have it than any other man."

In the first single "Mountain Goat," NENDA resists the Austrian clichés she faces abroad. Yodeling and a "Sound of Music" Alpine idyll are transformed into a Hip Hop track with a catchy hook. At the same time, it also addresses her exclusion within Austria—a struggle in both directions. "No matter what I do, there's someone from the industry who I have to prove that German is my language."

"R2F" and "Stellar," as well as the second single "Alone," are marked by deep sorrow. The songs deal with the grief that has accompanied her since the loss of her heart brother. Melodic guitars and vulnerable singing—this honest emotional chaos is for anyone who has ever had the rug pulled out from under them. "Yeah, we didn't have a plan, apart from me finally landing this trick, unaware that time was ticking like a fucking lunatic."

In "Pheasants," she channels her "inner Kendrick" and combines arrogant boasting with a tirade ("I am that bitch with an ego so big you might have to book a trip to New Zealand to see it."). She is supported by a drum solo from jazz drummer Jas Kayser (Lenny Kravitz, Jorja Smith, and Nubya Garcia).

NENDA's debut "KRRRA" presents us with a lot across 11 tracks. She shows who she is, what she can do, and what she has experienced: Tyrol, London, Vienna, singing, rapping, songwriting, love, grief, patriarchy, racism, pride, and finding oneself. NENDA not only addresses many themes but also mixes various genres and skills.

An album about the loss of a loved one and the everyday racism bullshit, meant to empower all those who struggle with the same issues.