kristy.ramnarine@cnc3.co.tt
Gospel artiste NISA, born Genisa St Hillaire, is dedicated to spreading messages of hope and encouragement through her music and testimony. She is set to host her third concert, Aurora, at the Central Bank Auditorium on May 24, starting at 6 pm. Known for her powerful presence both in the studio and on stage, NISA is eager to continue sharing her journey and faith with her audience.
NISA was born into a family of musicians.
“My father is a keyboardist, among other musical trades, and my mum was a vocalist back in the day,” she says. “Getting her to sing now is almost an impossible feat. Fun fact, mummy and daddy were in a band when they were younger, before they had me, called the Messiah Singers. Truth be told, everyone in my family has the skill of playing an instrument, singing and arranging as well.
“I think, however, when it comes to being inspired, I believe that is a mixture of just being around the music and having a place to share it. My musical inspirations were more on the outside. Chaka Khan, George Benson, Whitney Houston, Al Jarreau, Mary J Blige, CeCe Winans, Jasmine Sullivan. I can call so many names.”
Having performed both on stage and in the studio as a top go-to backing vocalist/arranger for many of the nation’s premier artistes, she now brings her brand front and centre.
“I spent many, many years pouring what I believe was the best of me at the time into the love conversation of music for others,” NISA adds.
“Then I had a story to tell. When one starts penning their own material, there’s almost an instantaneous shift in the atmosphere. Although I remain extremely shy, I would say life decided for me. It’s just impossible to deny calling and purpose.
“So, while I am still working on being a stronger performer and a more honest type of artiste with my songs and representation, I know I made the right choice to step out. I still do background work and stage depending on the logistics.”
The entertainer released her first single Breathe on July 1, 2010.
“I am yet to do a full body of work. Through the years, I’ve been asked countless times,” she says.
“If I ever do an album, it has to replicate a certain standard, from production to continuity, etc. Exhales. Not sure when that time may ever be, as I know I’m also getting older and my voice changes with age, but God is good, man. As for singles, I’ve been releasing music steadily for years. I’ve got way too many singles to count as I recall at the moment.”
NISA was named Female Gospel Artiste of the Year three times in 2018, 2019, and 2023. She’s also a two-time finalist in the National Calypso Queen competition.
“I loved the experience of culture when I got my foot wet—or, in this case, voice wet—when I entered Queens,” she says.
“My life has taken quite a toll in terms of me being busy. Also, we decided that next time, I definitely need to have a writer and a song that can take it up a notch. So, God spare life, I know I’ll be back there.”
As part of the locally famed Love Link International Chorale, NISA has shared the stage with Grammy-winning CeCe Winans and Yolanda Adams, and performed live background vocals for both local and international recording artistes such as Ron Kenoly, Russell Léonce, Rizon, Luckey, Ruth Osman, Papa San, and others.
When asked if she would be part of the upcoming CeCe Winans More Than This Trinidad on July 31, this is what she had to say:
“Oh my, I don’t know if I should laugh out loud at this question. Let’s just say it would’ve been an honour to be a part of this event, but I’ve not received a call. I do know that event will be spectacular because CeCe is such a phenomenal artiste, and I know without a shadow of a doubt that people will be blessed.”
NISA is also an author and radio announcer on SKY 99.5 FM. Aurora speaks to the birthing of another era, spiritually and physically, in her life.
