Nganeko

Origin

Auckland, Nova Zelândia

Also known as

Neko, Nganeko Newman

Years Active

2019

Genres

soul, r&b, pop

Instruments

vocal

Biography

Nganeko, whose full name is Nganeko Kaera Whakaaro Wilson-Newman, is a New Zealand singer-songwriter who emerged onto the music scene in 2019. Her stage name, Neko, is an abbreviation of her given name, which means "the celestial light of a star". Although based in Auckland, her family roots extend to the Ngāpuhi ki te Tai Tokerau and Tainui ki Waikato tribes.

Her music career gained prominence with the release of singles like "Serious", which was praised for its production and the artist's vocal strength, and was even selected for the NewTracks compilation by NZ On Air Music. Nganeko has also collaborated with other notable artists, such as Noah Slee, Troy Kingi, and Church & AP, expanding her reach and exploring different sounds in her music.

The evolution of her songwriting has been marked by the inclusion of experiences beyond her own, demonstrating artistic maturity and an ability to connect with a broader audience. Her music moves across various genres, reflecting her versatility and the desire to challenge herself artistically, as exemplified by the track "Serious", which marked a new direction in her career.