Meet Nelle Jae | Artist (rnb music, dance) & Musician (play drums, drum kit)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nelle Jae and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nelle, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
As a single parent who’s new to motherhood, the most important thing is developing the true meaning of “ It takes a GOOD village to raise a child”. Throughout my childhood my mom kept me involved, rather it was volunteering at the food bank, stopping by nursing homes to minister to them, being in the nurses ministry at church, or even downtown giving out hot meals on Thanksgiving Day. I can truly say being apart of something so great and beautiful really left a huge impact on my life. Till this day the people that we’ve met through the years have helped my mom raised me, she didn’t do it on her own. My mom always said “It takes a village to raise a child”. I never understood the saying until I got older and had my own. Now I know! Whenever relatives can’t be there, these are the people I can turn to, the village. To be loved and appreciated as much as I am is a blessing and I wouldn’t want nothing less for my child. Installing in her what my mother installed in me, to love and respect the village is the greatest accomplishment of all.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I take pride in music so much to the point I know, music and I go together real bad. For a person who never knew how to verbally express their feelings, I’ve learned to do so through music. I have three different ways I express myself, such as writing, dancing, and playing the drum kit. My voice alone is a God given gift but when it comes to writing down my inner thoughts on paper, then making it into a song is authentic in itself. I allow myself to take over to show the real me. The kicker is, there’s different sides to me. Sometimes you may get the lover girl, the heartbreaker, the pop or even the rock side of me. But however I’m feeling that’s what you get and I truly believe that is why people connect to my music. Because it’s REAL! As far dancing, I’ve danced my whole life. From Jazz, hip hop, lyrical, tap, majorette etc. With all that experience my favorite style of dance is lyrical dance. This style allows me to connect to the lyrics and express a range of emotions through my body. This is a great way to clear your mind if you like dancing. Another way I release stress is by bumping a song I like and shedding it. Shedding is basically free styling but on the drums. So all that hurt, anger, and unspoken words is now unleashed on a drum kit.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This question took me for a loop because I really just started going out at the end of last year. But the majority of my showcases are at Captive8, which I think is a really dope secluded lounge. I would definitely take my best friend, their drinks are on point! Another cool spot is Grog Shop on Euclid Heights Blvd. It’s a nice diverse environment and everyone is so welcoming. Now when you’re feeling grown and sexy stop by the Bodega and Fredrick’s. Good vibes, music, food and wine!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First I would like to thank God for blessing me in ways I can’t explain. I thank my family for being supportive in every aspect of my life. I thank my parents but especially my mom. Before she met my step father it was always just us learning each other and exploring the world together. That’s my true best friend and I appreciate all the sacrifices she made to make my life as easy as possible. I would like to thank my church family “First Zion Missionary Baptist Church”. That’s where all my excitement for music began. I also appreciate all other churches I play and sing for. Last but not least I thank the “National Congress of Black Women” for taking me in my sophomore year of high school. You all truly opened my eyes and really showed me what sisterhood is about. Every time I’m with you all, I feel I can accomplish any and everything! Thank you and I love each and everyone of you so much!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnellejae/profilecard/?igsh=aGl3YmFxYnJscWQ2

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093845546457&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC2IMw4t2WVWCsVajFlgRX3g?si=1i0rKHFB1eQl8KZx

Other: Personal Youtube Channel
https://youtube.com/@nellejae216?si=DrDvyutEqPZJl5hG

Image Credits
TJB
Instagram: @prophoto_productions
https://www.instagram.com/prophoto_productions?igsh=MTNieWI3eDlkOWhkeA==