Following her first solo single ‘gr8ful,’ Nadine ElRoubi is the regional talent that we’ve been keeping our eyes on. There’s nothing we love more at Cosmo ME than spotlighting MENA singers and songwriters that are *really* breaking out onto the music scene. 

Now, Nadine’s releasing her next major project, ‘Hair Up.’ The track will be giving you very r&b, chill ~ vibes ~ that’ll be on repeat while your doing your self care or cruising. ‘Hair Up‘ will be released tomorrow so don’t forget to add it to your Spotify playlist ASAP!

We sat down with the Sudanese singer to discuss all things music, self love, and the artists that have inspired her.

Scroll down to read all about it…

Cosmo ME: How would you describe your own music?

Nadine ElRoubi: I’m still trying to figure out my sound and my voice but at the moment (from my personal perspective) I’d say my music can be sultry and soft with elements of being super hard when I’m rapping, but through a more ‘divine feminine’ channel. I also like to think that my music is feel good and will make you feel like the best version of yourself.

C: What was your thought process while writing ‘Hair Up’?

N: I freestyled a lot of Hair Up so I was barely thinking. I remember having just finished writing another song and I was in a great mood, I felt like I was on a roll creatively that week. So I was just playing some beats and found this great one by Elavy and started freestyle melodies and words into my mic. Once I had the hook down the rest really just flowed. It was such a fun process. All I knew was that I wanted to make something that reflected how good I felt about myself in that moment.

C: ‘Hair Up’ is very much about self love and being comfortable – what would you say to girls (or your listeners) who don’t feel as confident with their ‘Hair Up’?

N: I’d say I get it, cause I’ve been there! And I’m still there some days, when I wake up and see my face has broken out and I’m hella puffy from sleeping. And I’m just like wow, that’s not cute. But I also feel okay about it – I don’t think confidence is necessarily about feeling like you’re flawless and incredible 24/7. I think it’s being able to be okay with yourself on the days that you’re not at your best, whether mentally, emotionally, or physically. At the same time, I feel like confidence is hard work and it’s a discipline. No joke I literally used to look at myself in the mirror and cry.

I used to not even be able to sit in my own house and not wear make-up because I couldn’t stand how I looked. I actually swore off make-up for a long time and forced myself to grow accustomed to my face. Growth and self-love doesn’t happen overnight is all I’m saying, and that’s okay! Trust the process. The reality is you are beautiful no matter what you think.

Photography by Omar Tartoob

C: Which artists are your inspiration?

N: So many, but I want to mention SZA specifically. I love her so much. Dounia as well – the song is actually lowkey inspired by her. I’m also lucky to be inspired by artists who are closer to me like Michele and Shébani, whose artistry and dedication to their work inspire me everyday.

C: What does the rest of 2021 have in store for you?

N: Thank you for asking! I’m really excited for 2021 because I have singles lined up until the end of the year so I’m very eager to see where that takes me. I am so blessed to see growth and connect with new people every time I put a song out so the prospect of where I’ll be by the end of 2021 is exciting. I’m also just hoping to work on more music with producers in real time.

Click here to pre-save Nadine’s upcoming single and to check out some of her other songs (we recommend Indigo, it’s a *tune*)Â