Rising R&B and neo soul artist Nali is having a major moment. The Brooklyn singer songwriter recently connected with DJ Fusion to talk about her new single “Maybe” featuring Coi Leray, her musical roots, and hitting the road on Jordan Ward’s Apartment Tour.

Originally from Flatbush, Brooklyn, Nali represents a new wave of soulful R&B artists blending classic influences with modern sound. While she began experimenting with music around 2020, her career began accelerating after a viral moment on social media helped introduce her voice to a much larger audience.

“I started making music just for fun,” Nali explained. “But in December 2023 a snippet I posted on TikTok got picked up by a music page called I Breathe Music Daily and it went viral on Instagram. After that everything started moving.”

That momentum led to the release of her debut project “I Am Nali,” which quickly connected with listeners and produced songs that have already reached over a million streams.

A Family Legacy in Music

Music runs deep in Nali’s family history. Her sound draws inspiration from generations before her.

“My grandfather was a jazz saxophone player and my dad was an R&B singer songwriter,” she shared. “Now I’m kind of walking in both of those paths.”

That background helps explain the jazzy, neo soul influence that defines much of her music. Her songwriting and production lean heavily into smooth melodies, soulful textures, and emotional storytelling.

“Maybe” Featuring Coi Leray

One of Nali’s newest releases is “Maybe,” a collaboration with Coi Leray, which has been gaining attention across streaming platforms.

The collaboration came together through industry connections after Nali signed with CourtesyOf, the label founded by music executive Saint Harraway.

“We had recorded the song during a trip to Los Angeles,” Nali said. “St. heard it and said Coi would sound great on the record. We had already met before at my release party, so everything just lined up.”

Beyond the music, Nali says she learned something important from working with Coi Leray.

“She was super humble and down to earth,” Nali explained. “Something I’ll always remember is that no matter how big you get, you’re never too big to reach back and work with artists who are still coming up.”

Joining Jordan Ward on Tour

Nali is also hitting the road as part of Jordan Ward’s Apartment Tour, supporting the rising artist whose breakout track “White Crocs” helped introduce him to a national audience.

When she first received the offer to join the tour, she admits she was shocked.

“When I got the message from Jordan’s team I was like… wait, Jordan Ward? White Crocs Jordan Ward?” she laughed.

The tour includes a stop at the House of Blues in Chicago, giving Midwest fans a chance to see Nali perform live.

Fans attending the show can expect an energetic, soulful experience.

“Jordan’s music is upbeat and fun and even the more intimate songs are just really smooth,” she said. “The whole show is going to be a vibe.”

Advice for Independent Artists

Before wrapping up the interview, Nali shared advice for emerging artists trying to find their path in the music industry.

“Stay true to yourself and your values,” she said. “Don’t feel like you have to change who you are to get into certain spaces. And don’t be afraid to promote yourself and be vulnerable with your art.”

With strong streaming numbers, a major collaboration, and a national tour underway, Nali is quickly becoming an artist to watch in the evolving R&B landscape.

Fans can find her music on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major streaming platforms by searching Nali, and follow her on social media @theoriginalnali for tour updates and new releases.