One of the few names that I desperately wanted to check out was Nneka and her private performance at the Texas Embassy was full of heart and Nneka was all smiles for the crowd. There’s something about the way her lyrics, voice, music and vibe come together for a performance that beckons spectators to see a full show and listen to her record. I also saw She & Him at Stubb’s and then The Black Keys at Mohawk Patio, both of those performances were noteworthy. However, what I will remember most fondly about SXSW–and what I am most intrigued by–are the international acts that I saw. Nneka is the easiest one to appreciate because she sings in English, and, on a deeper note, there is something relevant about a singer/songwriter from Nigeria representing multiculturalism and defying commonplace expectations. Her border crossing was in the making for some time, and the attention she is gaining is greatly deserved.

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