AMAKA Opens Up About Going Solo, Thirsting Over Pedro Pascal, & More

AMAKA Opens Up About Going Solo, Thirsting Over Pedro Pascal, & More | Close Friends

Formerly half of the R&B sister duo VanJess, AMAKA, born Jessica Nwokike, is captivating the world with her Kaytranada-produced single “cruisin’,” promising to honor the demise of VanJess by continuing on the legacy they’ve been cultivating since 2009.

Departing on her journey as a solo artist, AMAKA is reintroducing herself to the world, and in some ways, for the very first time. As she gets to know who she is as an artist in this new iteration of her career, she joined us on Close Friends to go a layer beneath the dermis, speaking on inner child healing, confronting fears, and integrating her Nigerian upbringing.

Author: Jazmin Kylene

May 3, 2023

soul

interview

R&B

amaka

close friends

Allow Blake Proehl To Introduce Himself [Q&A]

October 26, 2026 Making music finds can find its way into an artist's life from the most unlikely places. For Blake Proehl, that's trading the football helmet for a pen and a mic.

Author: DJ Connor

pop

interview

country

hearts don't break

blake proehl

DJ Suzy Links Up With Her Inner Kira Krash To Create Transformative Debut Album [Q&A]

October 23, 2026 We chatted about the long process of her debut album, what’s changed and what’s stayed true throughout years of growing alongside the friend, foe, and confidant that is 'Kira Krash.'

Author: Giselle Libby

pop

interview

bedroom pop

debut album

dj suzy

kira krash

ambient pop

How Whitney Whitney Lost Her Voice And Found A New Sound On ‘1.3’ [Q+A]

October 23, 2026 Loss is a part of life, but what do you do when it feels like you’ve lost yourself? How do you figure out where to go from there? If you’re Whitney Whitney, you keep going — and make an excellent new EP, 1.3.

Author: India McCarty

pop

interview

alternative pop

Whitney Whitney

1.3

orchestral pop