We talked gender equality and self-belief with all-female jazz band Nérija
DtL: Can you tell us a bit about Nérija?
Rosie: Nérija is a 7 – piece collective who play original compositions inspired by all aspects of our different personalities and backgrounds.
DtL: What inspires your music?
Sheila: What inspires our music are our influences which are wide in range! From Jazz legend Pharoah Sanders to contemporary gospel music and afrobeat/ highlife put into the mix. We also all come from very different backgrounds and upbringings therefore each of us bring our own inspirations into the pot.
DtL: Have you ever experienced bullying? If so can you tell us what happened and how you overcame the experience.
Cassie: I have never been physically bullied, however, at one stage of my university life I was living in an environment with individuals who constantly attempted to intimidate and isolate me. The atmosphere was extremely manipulative, lonely and mentally taxing. The best thing for me was to remove myself from the situation, making sure that I did my best to work on being the best person I can be in all aspects and become comfortable with myself. Once you begin to genuinely love yourself, almost nothing can penetrate that mentality.
“We also all come from very different backgrounds and upbringings therefore each of us bring our own inspirations into the pot”
DtL: Our research revealed that 35% of teenage girls believe their gender will have a negative impact on their career. What are your thoughts on this based on your experiences as an all‐female band?
Cassie: Unfortunately, there will always be ignorant, bigoted people who judge you based on your gender. I feel that all you can do is strive to be the best you can be in your field. In regards to Nérija, we all focus on making sure we work hard, enjoy ourselves and continue doing what we love irrespective of our gender.
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Rosie: Go for what you believe in, remove the doubts in your mind about stereotypes and the boxes people may want to put you in. Anything is possible! I feel with Nérija being an all female band has not really had a negative impact on us, we followed the music and through the enjoyment of being in a band together this is where we have made it to today.
“There will always be ignorant, bigoted people who judge you based on your gender”
DtL: What motto do you live by?
Rosie: Enjoy life, follow your dreams, stay with what brings happiness, enjoy being who you are!
DtL: If you could go back in time what would you tell your younger self?
Cassie: Persevere in learning to love yourself as you are – it’s a difficult journey but totally worth it. You’re amazing and deserve nothing but respect.
Sheila: I would tell myself to always listen to my gut instinct, not to second guess myself but to put 110% into my music. Perseverance is key and never forget the end goal!
DtL: Is there anything you would like to add?
Cassie: Never be afraid to ask people for help – I found that reaching out to people to talk to or even just hang out with really improved my outlook on life. Having that support from friends, family or even willing strangers can do wonders for your situation.
