Nneka's Nigerian background comes out in the rhythms and instrumentation of God Of Mercy, the second single from her debut album, Victim Of Truth. It is, however, a very light influence, as is her background singing in a choir, and her youthful taste in black music - she cites everyone from Fela Kuti and Bob Marley to Lauryn Hill as influences.
Personally I was hoping for more Fela and less flabby modern hip hop in the mix, but the result isn't unpleasant, it just isn't outstanding either. The chorus lifts the whole thing - somehow Nneka doesn't convince as a natural rapper. The beats are interesting in places; the start is quite sweet and bare, it goes a little off track in the middle with the rapping, but once the chorus kicks in your head starts to nod, somewhat grudgingly.
Overall, to quote Randy Jackson on American Idol, "it was just alright for me, dawg."
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