24 year old alt-pop artist Nxdia (pronounced Nadia), otherwise known as Nadia Ahmed, has taken the queer music scene by storm. Blending English and Arabic within her music, Nxdia’s music focuses on themes from queer love to androgyny and gender identity.
Her popularity increased rapidly after the release of her hit single, She Likes A Boy, in 2024. The song went viral, hitting over five million views on TikTok within weeks of release. The song describes the artists’ own unrequited crush on a girl, and the relatable feeling of disappointment that comes with watching someone you like pursue another. The chorus is upbeat and catchy, and it’s easy to see how it became so popular. Their EP titled “in the flesh” came out in 2023, featuring more Egyptian vocal runs combined with their usual angsty style. Their latest single, “Boy Clothes” is upbeat, energetic, and focuses on their ongoing journey with gender dysphoria.
Nxdia features political and introspective themes in much of their music, stating that “navigating adult life for me has been deconstructing a lot”. They have frequently advocated for Palestine and Sudan, and describe their upbringing and identity as having a large influence on their music and politics. They were born in Cairo and moved to Manchester aged eight, describing themselves as a “bit of a loner”, struggling with being a third culture kid. Singing in both languages has now become a form of liberation for them: “the first time I included Arabic in my songs, I was bouncing off the walls”. Nxdia says their aim is to create community through their music, focusing on continuing their trend of music that is “pop, but with the Arabic influence” whilst pursuing fresh, interesting collaborations.
They have recently been added to the bill for the Great Escape Festival in Brighton from the 14th-17th May. In 2023, they played at the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival and were included in Spotify’s Our Generation playlist. With their experimental style and heartfelt lyrics, they are certainly one to watch.
