'GIVING IT UP' WITH NIA CHENNAI: STYLE AND SELF-WORTH

PHOTOGRAPHY AMY LAUFFER NEFF - STYLING FRANCESCA JENNISE - HATS THE SENSUALIST

Nia Chennai is here to shake up the game. Her latest single,‘Give It Up’, featuring the equally dreamy Ella More, isn’t just a track, it’s a full-blown exorcism of every energy-draining mistake you finally blocked. And honestly? It’s the anthem we all needed. Think heartbreak in platform boots, think poetry with side-eye.

F Word catches up with Nia on fashion as persona, tea-fuelled studio sessions, and why she’ll never give up crumble (relatable, obviously).

Maisie Daniels: Hey Nia, welcome to F Word! Spring has sprung in London - are you feeling it!?

Nia Chennai: Yass, you can't get me inside! I live for the sun. People are actually smiling, outfits are getting cuter, and I can finally leave the house without looking like the Michelin Man.

MD: Your new single ‘Give It Up’ is out now! What has the response been like so far?

NC: Honestly, it’s been so good. People are feeling it and it resonated with so many people. It's got them telling me they finally blocked the ex. It’s beautiful, chaotic energy. I love it.

MD: The track features fellow R&B artist Ella More - how did that collaboration come about?

NC: We met at a gig one summer and instantly clicked, which is always a good sign. We bonded over the shared experience of being emotionally drained by people I won’t name (you know who you are). It felt really natural, like, if we’re both going through it, we might as well harmonise through the chaos.

MD: What was your collaborative creative process like from start to finish on this track?

NC: We were in the studio with tea, snacks, and plenty to say, just venting, putting the world to rights. The song came out of that space, two girlys reclaiming their time. Honest lyrics, a bit of sass, a sprinkle of sadness… but always good vibes. Me and Ella rate each other’s craft, so the whole thing just flowed and Hoost is always amazing on the production!

MD: Do you remember what the first lyric or melody was that sparked ‘Give It Up’? Or did it all come together in one fluid session?

NC: For me, it was “you picked your poison how you pick your flowers, so may I ask why you picked me?” I actually wrote that line on the way to the session, it just hit me like a little poem from nowhere. Me and Ella were both writing our parts of verse one at the same time, and when we put them together they just clicked like we were finishing each other’s diary entries.

MD: You’ve also teamed up with Lemonade Dolls and are a brand ambassador for Beyond Retro. What do you look for when deciding which brands to collaborate with?

NC: It’s gotta feel authentic. If I wouldn’t wear it on my own accord, I’m not interested. I love brands with pieces that feel unique, not just what everyone’s got. And if it’s giving real life Bratz or 2000’s vintage? I’m all over it.

MD: Speaking of brands - we have to talk about The Sensualist, whose fluffy hats feature in your iconic shoot. What are your thoughts on these fuzzy numbers?

NC: I’m honestly obsessed. I’m always throwing on a fluffy hat especially on a bad hair day, lol. But these ones? Iconic. I was fully feeling myself in them. I definitely need to create my own line of accessories one day.

MD: If ‘Give It Up’ were a fluffy hat, what colour, shape, and size would it be - and why?

NC: It’d be electric blue, oversized, and borderline impractical. Like, you can’t see where you’re going but you look amazing walking away. Very much the mood of the song.

MD: Do you believe there’s a link between fashion and music in how you express yourself?

NC: A thousand percent. I’ve started showing up to sessions all dressed up, platform boots, mini skirts galore. I think it’s like getting into character, you know? Dressing up for the session makes me feel like I’m stepping into a whole new persona. It gives me this confidence boost, like I’m ready to take on whatever comes my way. It’s not just about looking cute, it’s about feeling like I can handle the whole vibe, and you can totally tell the difference in the music. The right outfit brings the right energy.

MD: ‘Give It Up’ touches on themes of self-worth. What advice would you give to anyone - especially women - struggling to recognise their own value?

NC: Your value isn’t up for debate, and you don’t have to prove anything to anyone. If someone’s got you questioning your worth, they’ve GOT to go. Honestly, I always tell my girls, “Would you let your sister or your mom be treated like this?” The answer is always a hard no. The quicker you dip from situations or environments that make you feel unimportant, the quicker you start your journey to becoming a healed, strong woman you’re meant to be. You’ve got to protect your peace at all costs.

MD: When do you feel at your most confident?

NC: I feel my most confident when I’ve put in the work and prepared so I know I’m ready for the moment. But yeah, looking cute definitely helps, lol. Sometimes, you’ve gotta pull out that “fake it ‘till you make it” confidence, and trust me, it works wonders. I remember one time I was super nervous before a show, texting my mum while I was in the bathroom, and she just said, “Remember, you’re there because you’re supposed to be.” I always carry that reminder with me now.