Today we’d like to introduce you to Najinga Luster.
Hi Najinga , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Music has always been in my life. I grew up in the church choir located in the Historic West End area.
I watched my father and his friends sing every Sunday uplifting people’s lives even ones they didn’t know. My mom’s side of the family were very creative and talented but I get my voice from my dad’s side.
My father comes from a musically inclined family where everybody knew how to sing or play an instrument. It was natural for them to find the music in any and everything. This paved my musical journey because I always wanted to elevate my legacy. So how my dad sung with his friends now I do the same thing. I always sung solos at church when I was a kid to now so I was always called upon for singing. Although the stresses of a church soloist was not too far from a mainstream artist I still chose music.
I began background singing with my god brother who is in Earthgang. He would always say “sing like you do at church” which meant powerful and intense. This led to me doing background vocals faithfully for artists. I have sung background for Earthgang, JID, w/ Ari Lennox, 6lack, Seddy Hendrix and more. I have also done large festival venues like Dreamville Fest and Coachella. My musical journey is still going I don’t think I’ve hit the peak yet.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I can say it was smooth for me because I have accomplished a lot without a manager or rep. The story of the up and coming musician does not change it’s just the people that do. In result I was blessed to start with people I knew and trust so I don’t have too many bumps so far.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am first a vocalist it’s in my blood. I write music, background acting, and vocals. I specialize in bringing the flavor to your ear. When you hear those intricate oohs and aahs on your favorite song it was most likely background. My favorite moment is when I work with my bros Earthgang especially when I get to voice act like I did in “Lala Challenge” or sing my heart out in “Red Flag”. I also enjoyed singing with them at Coachella because it was a brand new experience as a background vocalist. My most known vocals are on JID’s Tiny Desk Concert singing Aretha Franklin’s “One Step” cover on Surround Sound. My vocals can also be heard on the song “Kody Blu 31” which was Grammy nominated for being used as a sample on Kacey Musgraves album “Deeper Well” in 2024. The album that these songs are from is “the Forever Story” and it just recently went Gold; a new entry to my bucket list. You can also find me singing on “Shooter” by Johnny Venus which was featured in the Sony Electronics Momentum series on YouTube.
I also appear in music videos by Atlanta’s own Hero the Band, Wowgr8, Bella Blaq, and SosoJuicy.
I am mostly proud of all of this because once again I don’t have any representation to pull these jobs for me. I’ve come this far by the people I know and the talent I have which is a divine gift. I believe that sets me apart because most artists and vocalists dream of hitting these points in their career without having difficulties along the way.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I do background acting as a hobby! I find it informational because I like the sides of the industry you don’t get to see. It puts you in that world of creativity just like the studio. We all know the results when it’s released but what did it take to make this album, movie, or masterpiece? That’s what I enjoy seeing and being apart of.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sangjeany?igsh=YjZqMm50dHc5empt&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sangjeany?si=d6ZAuWzkqf6wt1Bh
Image Credits
Photos took on personal phones
