Nimo
“Prove to the world that you are special”
Nimo is one of the most successful rappers in Germany.
© Mondelez
Rapper Nimo now clearly distances himself from his eventful past and fights for charity and respect.
No musical genre in Germany is currently as successful as rap. Rapper Nimo (25) is also a fixture in the German rap scene and thanks to chart successes such as “Kein Schlaf!” made a name for itself. “I think that you hit a special nerve with rap. Rap is honest, rap is tough!”, He explains in an interview.
Unlike some of his colleagues, whose texts are mainly about anger, drugs or violence, Nimo now distances himself from his past. “I now stand for different values than before: empathy, charity, respect and justice are very important to me”. This is also proven by his new song “Zart”, which he developed together with the chocolate brand Milka. A new album is also in the starting blocks.
You have been an integral part of the German rap scene for over five years and have sold over 2.2 million records to date. Would you ever have expected this success?
Nimo: I actually worked a long time to achieve this success, but you never know whether it will work out in the end. I’m just so grateful that I have the chance to live my dream and inspire my fans. It wasn’t always easy, but you have to believe in yourself and keep working on yourself – that’s the only way to keep going.
Why is rap so successful in Germany?
Nimo: I think that you hit a special nerve with rap. Rap is honest, rap is tough! It also has many facets and you can convey strong messages – that goes down well.
Your messages have changed over the course of your career …
Nimo: It wasn’t always easy for me and I made bad decisions that I wouldn’t stand for today. But that’s all part of a process that you go through and at some point I decided not to blame others for my actions, but to question myself. That changed a lot, also in my lyrics.
Today you are fighting “against racism, against bullying and just for humanity”, as you recently declared in a clubhouse round. Where does this change of heart come from?
Nimo: I think many have noticed my change, I have a certain process behind me and now I stand for different values than before: empathy, charity, respect and justice are super important to me. Now I want to inspire my fans to question themselves more often. Everyone has two sides like the moon – you always have to look which side you choose. I just want to give away: try to change yourself every day, be better every day than yesterday. Every day anew. Prove to the world that you are something crazy, that you are special.
What influence did your partner have on that?
Nimo: My partner is very important to me and supports me in everything. It also inspires me every now and then to change my perspective and to be a better person today than yesterday.
With “Zart” you and Milka send a clear message, what is the central message of your song?
Nimo: When you’re tender and loving, it doesn’t mean you’re a wimp, but that that’s when you are strong. Empathy and compassion are important! You always have to stay open. There is also something very special about this song. If you listen carefully, you can hear, among other things: Be loving, be respectful, showing feelings makes me strong. And there is also a certain sense of humor. I was very happy that Milka and I were able to work together on this project. It was a super open exchange from the start. But you can also see it again: people, even if it is difficult for you, even if there is perhaps no prospect, no perspective. Life can change if you change!
How are you currently spending this special time?
Nimo: I’m in the studio a lot right now, recording music and also working on several projects with my team. This is an exciting time right now! It won’t be long before the fans can see it for themselves.