On the Women of TmrO series, we spotlight women who are building legacies, shaping culture, and positioning themselves for longevity. In this episode, we meet Nadine El Roubi, a hip-hop and New Soul artist whose journey through music, identity, and self-expression is a powerful reminder that art is both resistance and healing.
Born of Sudanese, Egyptian, and Iranian heritage, and raised between Virginia and Sudan, Nadine calls herself a “third culture kid,” living in the hyphen between identities. “You’re not enough for either place,” she reflects. In Sudan, her American accent and pop culture knowledge made her feel like an outsider. In the U.S., she missed the deep-rooted sense of community that shaped her upbringing. Yet this in-between space is where her artistry thrives.
Music as Resistance, Healing, and Home
For Nadine, music is more than just sound—it’s a lifeline. “Art is the highest form of society,” she says. “It elevates culture, perspective, and mind.” Her work, which she describes as “making tunes for the diaspora blues,” tells stories for people like her—those from the Middle East and North Africa who have migrated, adapted, and evolved.
Nadine believes creativity is inherently rebellious. “Creativity is driven out of children at a young age because it’s a catalyst for change,” she shares. “Art is resistance.” Every beat she writes, every lyric she pens, is an act of reclamation—a declaration that her voice, and her people’s stories, matter.
Building a Sound Rooted in Soul and Substance
Inspired by Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and Kendrick Lamar, Nadine’s sound blends soulful melodies with sharp lyricism. She began diving into hip-hop in 2019 and has pursued music seriously since 2021. “I write all my stuff. It’s a fun, fun, fun process,” she says, describing how she channels her emotions into songs based on the energy a beat evokes.
Her studio sessions are intentional and focused. “When I’m creating, I need to zone in,” she says. Collaboration has a place, but when the vibe is right, she’s all business—“don’t talk to me, I’m here to work.”
The Hustle Isn’t for the Weak
Nadine doesn’t sugarcoat the struggles of being an independent artist. “Chasing the money is not for the weak,” she raps on Honey Butter, and she means it. From working day jobs to fund her art to navigating rejection and self-doubt, she understands the perseverance required. Still, she reminds other artists: “If you love what you’re doing, that love will keep you going.”
She also embraces comparisons (like being likened to Lana Del Rey) as part of the journey. “I’m discovering my sound. I’m still becoming,” she says with grounded confidence.
On Rest, Religion, and Redefining Worth
Raised Muslim, Nadine integrates spiritual wisdom into her daily life. She speaks candidly about burnout and hustle culture, especially in the West where productivity is often equated with value. “In my culture, rest is literally built into the day,” she shares, pointing to the five daily Islamic prayers as a divine reminder to pause and realign.
Her reflections challenge us to reconsider how we treat rest—not as a reward, but as a right.
Navigating Gender, Judgment, and Generational Gaps
As a female artist from a patriarchal culture, Nadine faces criticism—often from her own community. “Women entertainers are seen as shameful in Sudan,” she says. She’s received hateful comments about her image and career, with some accusing her of tarnishing her family name.
But change is brewing. She credits the many women from her region who continue to show up, express themselves, and create despite societal backlash. “My dad is super supportive,” she adds, sharing that he’s even DJ’d her shows. Her mother, more conservative, has a harder time—but they’ve reached a place of mutual understanding. “She just wants me to be okay.”
Speaking Out Without the ‘Activist’ Label
One of the most powerful moments in the episode comes when Nadine reflects on a viral post she made contrasting Spotify Wrapped stats with global suffering. “You don’t have to be an activist to care,” she says. For her, silence in the face of injustice isn’t neutrality—it’s complicity.
She encourages open dialogue around difficult topics like religion, race, and politics. “Oppression everywhere is interlinked,” she reminds us. “No one’s free until we’re all free.”
Friends, Not Fans: Building Real Community
Nadine doesn’t just create art—she builds relationships. “I call them friends, not fans,” she says with a smile. She replies to DMs, thanks people who share her work, and values every connection. But she’s also learned to protect her peace: “Be open, be grateful—but don’t drain yourself.”
She shoots most of her content herself on a tripod, proving that creativity and connection don’t require a big budget—just big heart.
Gratitude, Growth, and Grounded Goals
Nadine’s daily practice? A page of gratitude. “Alhamdulillah,” she says. “Thank you, God.” Her perspective is shaped by witnessing global suffering and knowing how precious her peace is. “It reminds me not to sweat the small stuff.”
As for her goals? She’s not chasing awards—she’s nurturing her craft. “I want to live comfortably off my music. I want to keep growing, keep creating,” she says. She’s not in a rush. Because in many ways, she’s already living the dream.
Her message to the world? “Love yourself. Love where you come from. Be who you are—fully.”
