Nelia Masengu Unveils ‘Nazozela Lobi’

With tenderness in her tone and truth in every lyric, Swiss-Congolese artist Nelia Masengu returns with ‘Nazozela Lobi’—a rich, beautiful blend of alternative R&B and indie soul that dances between celebration and introspection. Sung in French and Lingala, the track carries the weight of family complexities with a lightness that invites movement, reflection, and healing.

Inspired by a homecoming trip to Congo and her sister’s wedding, Nelia paints joy and tension in equal measure, reminding us that even in uncertainty, love and resilience still rise to the surface. Vulnerable, vibrant, and beautifully layered, ‘Nazozela Lobi’ marks a soulful step toward her forthcoming EP à deux doigts—and a moment of clarity in her ever-evolving journey.

“Nazozela Lobi” translates to “I’m waiting for tomorrow” — a phrase loaded with both hope and hesitation. What does that sentiment mean to you personally?

It’s a feeling I know really well — I’m a big overthinker, always stressing about future things. I’ve been trying to work on that, to stay more grounded in the present. That’s actually why nazozela lobi has this danceable, uplifting energy — it’s like a reminder to myself to celebrate what’s now, not just worry about what’s next.

You’ve described the song as joyful on the surface but carrying deeper emotional layers. How do you approach writing music that holds both light and shadow?

That’s something Kevin (Melodiesinfonie, the producer) and I talked about a lot, especially early on when my demos were pretty sad — like, proper heavy, melancholic sound. I guess I’m a pretty dramatic songwriter haha. But even when a track is emotionally heavy, I always want there to be some light in there too which is a recurrent theme throughout the EP, this interplay between light and shadow.

The track was inspired by your sister’s wedding and a return to Congo. What did that trip awaken in you, musically or emotionally?

I went to Congo alone with my father in 2024 for a month. That time in the DRC was so beautiful and healing in many ways. It brought a lot of reflections on our family dynamics, and definitely deepened the relationship with my dad. I was writing a lot during that trip, and Congolese music was everywhere — in the car, restaurants, at home. Basking in those sounds definitely inspired me to explore my own sound. My sister’s wedding in Morocco was a memorable event that stuck with me, it was such a joyous occasion and it really marked something — a kind of turning point in our family. Ultimately, both trips made me reflect on family roles and (future) expectations within the family.

Your vocals have such a gentle touch — they almost whisper, but they say so much. How do you channel vulnerability as a strength in your songs?

Honestly, that came through time in the studio. I used to record takes where I was really pushing my chest voice — overly trying to be powerful. Over time, I realized my voice speaks loudest when I’m not trying too hard.

There’s a warmth in the production, but also a quiet urgency. What was your vision for the soundscape of Nazozela Lobi?

The vibe was very much inspired by celebrations — especially my sister’s wedding. I brought some friends into the studio that day to do backing vocals and with that track, we just danced, laughed, shouted and used that noise as the song’s backdrop. I wanted joy to live in the song, like background noise from a celebration and I love how that turned out, I have to laugh every time I listen to the song lol.

You sing in both French and Lingala — what makes you choose one language over the other in a moment? Do they carry different emotional textures?

I usually go with whatever language feels right for the message and the vibe of the song. French is definitely my comfort zone — it’s the language I express myself in most naturally. Lingala, on the other hand, adds a whole different character. I like how my voice sounds in it — there’s a different texture. And emotionally, it connects me to my roots, more specifically to my dad, who really shaped my connection to music and my musical journey.

Neo-soul icons like Cleo Sol and Solange have clearly influenced your sound, but you also bring in artists like Luidji. How do you navigate those stylistic crossroads?

I’m really inspired by the storytelling of french rappers like Luidji and love blending that kind of writing with warm, soulful melodies and vocals. And yes, my biggest inspiration is by far Cleo Sol. Her music feels like a hug — honest, hopeful, comforting. To me, there is no one quite like her.

Your previous single motema na ngai and now Nazozela Lobi both lean into personal storytelling. What role does healing or self-understanding play in your songwriting?
Uhh, until now, I’ve only written songs that are extremely introspective, therefore it’s amazing to me that people connect to it. I love how most of the time in the process of songwriting, I’ll be mumbling melodies and suddenly, I’m like, “Whoa, okay — guess that had to come out”. Lately I’ve been dealing with a lot of self-doubt and fear, and sometimes I’ll go back and listen to my own songs and it feels like I'm giving myself the advice or comfort I needed to hear retrospectively. I really like having these conversations with myself through music.

You’ve performed at spaces like Pärkli Jam and Sommercasino — how do live audiences respond to the intimacy of your music?

Performing live is hands down my favorite part of making music. That said, I feel like I’m still at the beginning of really connecting with live audiences and developing more of a stage presence - but I’m very excited to see how people connect with this new project live this summer and autumn :)

With à deux doigts coming this summer, what can we expect from the EP? Are there recurring themes you’re exploring — or surprises you’re holding back?

I’m genuinely so excited for this EP! It feels like the most honest thing I could’ve made at this point in my life. We didn’t overdo it — it just is, and I love the variety and the unique character of each song. Thematically, I’m reflecting on a lot of things that feel unresolved and unfinished: anxiety, fears, doubts, anger, identity issues, heartbreak... It’s kind of like a soundtrack for people in their 20s who feel a little lost, but accept that state and still manage to find love and hope through it all. “à deux doigts” WILL BE OUT JUNE 6TH<3!

As Nelia Masengu opens the door to her inner world, Nazozela Lobi stands as both a celebration and a reckoning — a vibrant testament to the complexity of healing, heritage, and honest self-expression. With her forthcoming EP à deux doigts on the horizon, Nelia invites us deeper into the layered emotional landscapes she's learning to navigate — not with certainty, but with grace, rhythm, and an open heart.