Mizz Nina – A True Showstopper

Many people may not know who Mizz Nina is, but soon everyone will. In Malaysia and Southeast Asia, Mizz Nina’s single, “What You Waiting For,” which features U.S. R&B singer, Colby O’Donis, is slowly infiltrating the region. More ears are tuning in to see and hear Mizz Nina and her debut album, which goes by the same title of her current single.

Being drawn to music since the tender age of eight, Mizz Nina has achieved only what very few can in the entertainment industry. She is not only a famous recording artist in her home country of Malaysia, but she is also a model, the Managing Director of Malaysia’s The Singing Shop PJ, and a television and radio host. Asiance had the opportunity to get to know Mizz Nina a little better in an exclusive interview with her!

Asiance: You’ve been active in pursuing your musical passion since you were eight. How did you get into the world of hip-hop? What was your first gig?

Mizz Nina: Music and hip hop landed in the form of cassette tapes and music videos that my older brother and sister used to bring back from California in the 80s and 90s. I remember listening to Run DMC, LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, Grandmaster Flash, and watching “Beat Street.” That’s when I fell in love with hip hop music. Later on, I started getting into A Tribe Called Quest, Guru, Nas, Mos Def, Mc Lyte, Cypress Hill, Hieroglyphics, Refugees, Rakim, Wu Tang, Lauyrn Hill, etc. I mostly performed and danced in school and my first real “gig” was when I was 16, at a club called Sharks. I wanted to be heard, and so I asked Yogi from Poetic Ammo, who was one of the pioneering hip hop groups in Malaysia at the time to get me on stage, and he did. That was the beginning of everything.

Asiance: You’ve accomplished a lot in your life. You’re not only a recording artist, but you’re a model, you’re a Managing Director at The Singing Shop PJ in Malaysia, and a television and radio host. How do you manage to do everything and make it look effortless?

Mizz Nina: The truth is I’m not really sure how I do it, but what I know is that being healthy and having a good balance of work and play is crucial. Prioritizing is important as well and, at the end of the day, to be happy and enjoy what you do.

Asiance: Like I mentioned, you’ve probably worn so many different “hats” in the entertainment industry, what are you next goals you would like to accomplish?

Mizz Nina: Well I’m still busy with promoting my solo album. One of my goals is to reach out to more listeners and to have my music played worldwide. I’d like to perform and tour outside of Malaysia and get as many downloads as possible!

Asiance: In Malaysia, you seem to be a hot commodity in the entertainment industry. Making the recent single, “What You Waiting For,” with American singer, Colby O’Donis, how exciting was that? How did you two come together to work on that single?

Mizz Nina: This single is really a worldwide collaboration and effort from myself, my management team YZ International, Latin Prince, the writers and producers (James and Koolade), and of course, Colby. I was thrilled to know that he wanted to be a part of it. Colby is really down to earth, so much fun to work with, especially on set for the video and when he made a special appearance for my album launch in Kuala Lumpur.

Asiance: Has working with Colby O’Donis opened up opportunities to work with other international recording artists and/or opportunities for you?

Mizz Nina: Working with Colby is a blessing and has definitely opened many doors for me in the industry. I do hope I can collaborate with other international artists in the future.

Asiance: What else are you currently working on, in terms of projects?

Mizz Nina: I’ve recently set up my own label, Mizznina Productions, and my own fashion line, which I would like to develop and grow within the next few years.

Asiance: In recent years, there have been a lot of famous Asian celebrities becoming famous here in the United States. Do you see yourself releasing an English album here in the U.S. and abroad?

Mizz Nina: Sky’s the limit! If there is an opportunity for me to do that, most definitely!

For more information on Mizz Nina, please visit http://www.mizznina.com.