Today, we sit down with Miné, the Nigerian-American singer-songwriter whose unique sound effortlessly blends the vibrant energy of Afrobeats with the soulful depth of Western pop and R&B. Miné‘s music is a vibrant mix of Afrobeats, Western pop, and soulful R&B, shaped by her unique upbringing between Baltimore, Lagos, and now Miami. With a rich cultural tapestry woven from her experiences living across continents and her academic achievements at Cornell and Kaeio University, Miné crafts songs that resonate deeply with themes of identity, love, and longing. Her multilingual fluency and global perspective infuse her sound with authenticity and innovation, setting her apart as a rising star who channels personal and cultural narratives into compelling, genre-blending music.
M.M.: Your upbringing in both Baltimore and Lagos must have exposed you to diverse musical influences. How has this fusion of cultures shaped the way you approach music?
Miné: Although I was born in Baltimore, I have only ever lived in South Florida when I was in the States. The U.S. and Lagos gave me a deep appreciation for contrast and connection. The U.S. brought me into the world of soul, R&B, and hip-hop, while Lagos infused me with the rhythms of Afrobeat, highlife, and Naija pop. That blend taught me that music doesn’t have to fit in one box. I’m always chasing a sound that feels globally rooted but deeply personal.
M.M.: Your latest single, “Crave,” touches on the emotional longing for authenticity in a superficial world. What inspired this theme, and how do you think it resonates with your audience today?
Miné: Crave focuses on a longing to be wanted. I long to be longed for. I wrote this song when I was 17. That was a time when I realized that I wasn’t getting the same romantic experiences my classmates were experiencing at the time. I fell behind, I guess. Because of that feeling, I wanted to create a song that captured the desire to be craved.
M.M.: Balancing a demanding education path at Cornell University and pursuing music must have been a challenge. Can you share how you managed to navigate both worlds and what role your academic background plays in your music?
Miné: I found a way to make it as simple as possible: don’t record music while at school. I would use the school year to focus on my studies, but I would write songs I wanted to record on the side. When the vacations came around, that’s when I would hop into a studio to record the songs I wrote during the school year.
When I started attending college, I quickly realized that I am not someone who can multitask to a great extent. So, instead, I chose to compartmentalize school and music and put them in separate pockets of my life.
M.M.: You speak multiple languages, including Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. How has your linguistic versatility influenced the way you create and experiment with music across different cultures?
Miné: When I write or sing in another language, I tap into different parts of myself. It changes the melody, the phrasing, and the vibe. Plus, it’s a way to connect with listeners across the world and show respect for the cultures that have shaped me creatively. It keeps me on my toes in the best way.
M.M: In “Crave,” your lyrics draw from personal experiences as well as those of close friends. How important is vulnerability in your songwriting process, and what do you hope listeners take away from your music?
Miné: To me, vulnerability is everything. I want my songs to reflect the highs, the lows, and everything in between. “Crave” was born from late-night conversations, journal entries, and shared moments with people I love. I hope listeners feel seen in the lyrics and maybe find comfort in knowing they’re not alone in what they’re feeling.
M.M.: From your perspective, how has the concept of “authenticity” in love evolved in today’s digital age, and why do you think it’s a recurring theme in your music?
Miné: In a world of DMs and dating apps, love can feel transactional or performative. But I think, deep down, people still crave connection that’s honest and even imperfect. Authenticity in love now means being willing to be vulnerable, even when everything around us says we should “play it cool”. I understand that a lot of people fear being authentic because they are concerned about how they will be perceived, but that realness is what makes loving someone worth it, in my opinion. That search for something real is also a thread I keep pulling on in my music.
M.M.: With your multifaceted background, including degrees in Economics and Business Strategy, how do you approach the business side of your music career? Do you ever find that your academic knowledge intersects with your artistic journey?
Miné: Absolutely! To me, it’s all interconnected. I approach releases like campaigns, analyze data/trends to see what’s working, and think long-term about building a brand that’s true to me. My academic background gives me the confidence to make smart and independent decisions. It’s helped me navigate the industry with both heart and strategy. But I really cannot do this without the amazing team behind me, which includes my mother, my guys at the studio, and the awesome people at MPT.
