Nao Mali Talks New Single ‘Fag’ and Internalized Homophobia
It can always be challenging as a queer-identifying person to find music that aligns with our identity. When we want to listen to a love song, the pronouns don’t match up; when we are angry, it is at an ever-present homophobic and transphobic system that surrounds us. A lot of the time, the music we want to listen to as queer people that reflects our struggles, triumphs, and journeys can be a little too niche to type into Spotify. Although this is an ever-present struggle, artist Nao Mali is finding queer liberation through their musical artistry and new single “Fag.”
Mali sat down with OFM to discuss their journey as a queer-identifying artist, their upcoming album Scandalous, and the death of their internal homophobia translated through their new single.
To get us started, who is Nao Mali?
I’m a rapper and singer based in Stockholm, on a mission to fuse queer and drag culture with pop. I was born in the U.S. Midwest but grew up in a small town in Northern Sweden. I started releasing my music a year ago, and I’m currently working on my debut album Scandal. I would categorize my music as queer pop with R’n’B melodies and flamboyant rap.
How would you describe your new single “Fag?”
This song marks the death of my internalized homophobia. I’m not ashamed of who I am anymore, so therefore I’m no longer hiding myself. Once you stop hiding, you will start to gain love and appreciation for who you really are. Today, I proudly take the risk of being myself in front of other people and not letting the fear of being judged by others control my life.
How would you compare “Fag” to some of your previous releases?
Lyrically, it’s more in-your-face and direct with some pretty graphic sex references; it’s definitely marking the start of my Scandal era. When I’m playing it live, you really see people reacting to the verse lyrics, looking at each other like, “Oh my god, did he just say that?!” and then they laugh together; I love to see that. Sound-wise, it’s also pretty unique with the combo of rap, metal guitar, and hyperpop-elements, and the remix version we just released is probably my most club-friendly track so far. It’s a weird clash between different styles that just kind of happened; I don’t know what to compare it to.
What was the inspiration for making a reclaimed party anthem? I spent way too long holding myself back, so not to break the rules and norms around me. This song came out like a clenched fist, smashing through all the things keeping me down so I could finally stand up tall and say, “This is who I am!” And making it into this high-energy, clubby track felt like the right way to get the message across. If I can’t dance to it, it’s not my revolution.
What can listeners expect from your upcoming album Scandal?
I really want this album to reflect my different sides as an artist. As the title says, there’s gonna be some pretty scandalous lines there, and a lot of rap, but there’s also some very poppy songs and sensitive ballads as well. I want to do it all, just like a Prince album.
What has been one of your favorite experiences working on the single?
I think it was watching Matias (one of the producers) doing the scream part in the studio. He was in that booth for 30 minutes screaming his lungs and heart out to get the perfect take; it was incredible.
How has the experience been collaborating with Vixen?
Vixen works a lot with the producers Matias Mora and Cary Singer, and they cooked up this track with the guitar riff that they played to me in their studio. I had the idea for the “Fag” hook already, and it just fit perfectly. Vixen is an incredibly inspiring musician, and I love following her journey, wish I could have been in the U.S. to see her tour with Halsey.
You said that this song to you is about the death of your internalized homophobia; what message do you want to share with your listeners through this single?
I really hope it can be empowering to others, in the same way that it has been for me making it. I’ve gotten a lot of messages from queer people saying that this song was exactly what they needed on a tough day; that makes me so happy.
I think it’s a unifying song as well; my vision is for the remix to become a hit in the gay club scene all over the world, with thousands of people dancing and screaming “I’M A FAAAG” together.
Considering the controversial name of the single, do you have any concerns about how the public will view, react, or respond to the new single? I think it’s a risk I have to take because the idea of the song is to take this very negative hateful thing and change it in a very head-on kind of way. It might be shocking to some people at first, but I think that if you actually listen, you will see that I’m not trying to offend anyone; I’m trying to empower the queers and disarm the haters.
In the past, you’ve performed at various pride events; why was that something you wanted to do as an artist?
I’m a part of the LGBTQ community, so that audience is my people. And even though I aim to cross over into the mainstream, the queer fans will always be my foundation.
I was so proud to play both Stockholm and Copenhagen Pride this year, and the shows were amazing. I think performing for a queer crowd is probably the best thing you can do as an artist; there is so much love and support.
Readers can keep up with Nao Mali on their Instagram and Spotify.
Photo courtesy of Nao Mali
