I have always been fascinated by the moment of a creative debut. I hope it captivates you just as much, my dear readers. There is something genuine about it – like a breath, the first one, full of hope and a gentle thrill. A debutant is not bound by the audience’s expectations and is unafraid of being “too much” – too sincere, too daring, too authentically themselves. Their energy is pure, like a blank sheet of paper on which the outlines of a future style are just beginning to appear. It’s a time when the artist is still searching, yet already finding. And in my view, this is precisely when one’s creative personality becomes visible – a new individuality, still unpolished by the industry’s sheen. In a debut, you can always hear a voice that is only learning to sound loudly but is already filled with meaning and emotion. That’s why not every first work creates such an impression as “I Want It All”, the mini-album by Nessa May, released in April 2025.
Though short in duration and number of tracks, the EP sounds like a musical essay by a young woman confidently walking the boundary between cultures and styles. Born in Equatorial Guinea and raised at the crossroads of African roots, Caribbean rhythms, and Spanish sunshine, Nessa May blends fiery temperament, pop smoothness, and rap audacity in her sound. She unites languages and cultures in her own way – moving freely from English to Spanish, as if to emphasize that music should know no borders. As a professional dancer, Nessa hears not only notes but also movement. That’s why the songs on “I Want It All” capture moments of an inner dance, where energy meets feeling and dreams meet reality. The EP includes four tracks, each with its own rhythm and mood – from driving to calm and contemplative. And, I think, this contrast makes the sound come alive with depth and dimension.
The track “Flou” opens the record with a sharp, pulsing electronic rhythm – a perfect hook for contemporary pop and rap music. This drive sets the groove and energy typical of a soundscape built on powerful sub-basses and synthesized percussion often borrowed from trap. The clean, rich production instantly places the track within a modern sonic space. The singer’s vocal stands out for its emotional depth. Her confessional lyrics form the song’s core, filled with sincerity and personal experience. The stylistic contrast is striking: pop aesthetics come through in melody and structural clarity, while rap adds free rhythmic delivery and conversational expressiveness. The combination creates a dynamic sound that keeps you engaged. Running parallel, the next track “Addicted” gently envelops the listener in its “floating” guitar picking, giving the song a special lightness. Clear bass lines and subtle percussion build a space where the vocal becomes the center of attention. The measured tempo and smooth dynamics emphasize Nessa May’s control over creating the mood. Everything sounds with elegance – the singer’s voice calmly and confidently guides through the mood of the track.
Particular attention should be given to the track “Familia” – one of the most energetic and conceptually precise moments on “I Want It All.” It is built on a crisp, minimalist rap beat with a confident groove and a melody balancing between Latin and urban pop. The sound is fresh and precise: syncopated rhythms, thick bass, and light percussion. The guest feature from MP Riley adds contrast and motion; his flow intertwines naturally with Nessa May’s soft yet assertive voice, turning the song into a vivid dialogue about roots, faith, and inner strength. “Familia” is colorful and cross-genre, but most importantly, it seems to encapsulate Nessa May’s recognizable sound – modern, bold, and deeply personal. The vocal carries the story, playing with tonal shades and nuances characteristic of pop, while also revealing rap-like rhythmic phrasing. All of this makes the track bright and multilayered.
The closing track “Want It All/MCH” reveals the singer’s lyrical side, supported by wave-like guitar rhythms and muted drums. The arrangement carries a delicate, carefully handled electronic touch. Her vocal radiates romantic vibrations – she masterfully controls dynamics and conveys emotion with honest sensitivity. Gentle backing vocals complement the lead, making the lyrics even more expressive, as if different inner voices echo or comment on the main thought. It’s a beautiful way to end the record, leaving the listener in quiet reflection and emotional resonance.
The EP “I Want It All” offers a clear sense of Nessa May’s vocal style. She relies not on power, but on a tremulous, expressive manner of delivery. The songs on the EP reflect parts of her personality – brave, creative, and genuine. This debut is a confident statement: Nessa May didn’t come to repeat – she came to create. And when you listen to her, you truly believe that she wants it all – and is ready to show it. At the beginning of 2026, the singer is ready to sweep her fans off their feet – first under the hot Spanish sun, and then beneath the rainy skies of the United Kingdom!
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