We were there for NGAIO when she lost her voice and when she was looking to take the next steps.

NGAIO is a genre-spanning electronic artist whose work blends neo-soul vocals, jazz harmonies, African rhythms and Bristol’s underground energy – whether she’s behind the decks, on the mic, or delivering spoken word. A powerful performer and community organiser, she founded Booty Bass in 2018 to champion female and non-binary DJs and continues to make space for bold, inclusive expression across the music scene. 

We’ve been able to help NGAIO with health issues and career development, most recently through the 2024 Help Musicians Electronic Award, in partnership with DJ Mag.

Music has shaped NGAIO’s life from the very beginning, raised by her mother in a house full of music from around the globe. Growing up in a creative home in Wales, she found early sanctuary in songwriting, drumming, and piano. Her path into electronic music was a natural progression, sparked by Bristol’s dubstep scene and deepened through writing, DJing, and teaching herself to produce during the pandemic.

When NGAIO began to lose her voice, Help Musicians stepped in with specialist support through BAPAM. What started with vocal therapy led to the discovery of a slipped disc impacting her larynx – a breakthrough that changed everything. Had I not had that help, I don’t think I would have understood how much my voice is linked to my whole-body health,” she says. 

Photo cred: Charley Williams

Through the Next Level Award, which she received in 2023, she honed her production skills, mastering Ableton and building the confidence to take on bigger, more ambitious work – including a commission for a soundscape in Shanghai and scoring a documentary. It opened up a whole new realm,” she says, showing her that electronic music could reach far beyond club culture and into new storytelling spaces. It broadened my vision beyond just dance and nightclub culture. Electronic music is so much bigger than that.” 

The 2024 Electronic Award offered something equally powerful: validation. At first, I took funding rejections as, You’re not good enough’,” she says. It really took me winning a couple of awards to go, Oh no, this is valid – my music is valid.’” The award gave her space to create without pressure, helping her manage imposter syndrome and build faith in her creative instincts. It’s not that the imposter syndrome goes away, but I take rejection less personally now. I can say, I absolutely can do that – let’s figure it out together.’”

Beyond the funding itself, the peer-to-peer support through the award was a major highlight. NGAIO describes the DJ Mag networking mixer as really special,” praising the diversity and openness in the room: Everyone just looked surprised and happy to be there.” The event sparked lasting connections, including an Instagram group which formed after the event where artists continue to swap advice and encouragement. We’ve all got something really important to give,” she says. Meeting people doing something completely different keeps your ideas fresh.”

I’m a person who wants to connect. The [mentoring] sessions helped me find a way to do that without feeling like I had to become a brand.

Ongoing mentoring sessions have helped NGAIO navigate the practical side of being an artist – from finances and social media to finding balance between authenticity and being seen as a brand. I’m a person who wants to connect. The sessions helped me find a way to do that without feeling like I had to become a brand.”

Reflecting, NGAIO says the music industry can be lonely, with support often feeling conditional. It’s so transactional – based on how much money you can make someone,” she says. Help Musicians made me feel cared about as a person, not just as an artist.” Her message to others is simple: Everyone should just go on their website and see what they offer. Even if you get turned down the first time – try again. There’s something there for everyone.”

She describes the ongoing support she has received over the last few years as career opening in so many ways.” The many free resources and wraparound support that the Electronic Award offers in particular have helped NGAIO feel like the strongest version of myself in this industry.”

Her latest single, Hold You Down (Remixed), is now available for streaming.

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