Big Music

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By Pria Rai and Manish PandeyNewsbeat reporters

Growing up, Nija Charles wanted to be a Music Producer or, as she puts it: " The Female Pharrell".

But after falling into songwriting " by accident" she's now been nominated for a Grammy Awards .

The huge US industry show has introduced a Songwriter of the Year prize - One of five new categories in 2022.

" It just feels like A Dream , because this is really big. This is history, " she tells BBC Newsbeat.

" I feel this is long overdue. That's why I thank all the songwriters who have fought for this to happen, because it only makes sense to have it. "

The 25-year-old has written for Beyoncé, Lady Gaga , Ariana Grande & Drake, with her nomination for songs including Beyoncé's Cozy.

But what's the bigger achievement: Writing and getting to Number One in The Charts for those stars, or getting a Grammy nomination?

" It's almost like there's nothing higher than Number One . It's The Top of The Charts , " says Nija.

" But to get a Grammy nomination, it's something I've looked at as A Kid . "

'A vessel for The Artist '

Nija explains there is a fine line between songwriting for yourself and for another artist.

" As a songwriter, you have to understand that you're not putting this out as yourself. This is The Artist 's project. "

" And you're a vessel for them. So if you have A Story that you want to tell, I can't tell you that your story is wrong, or it should go [a certain] way. "

But there is a difference in process when writing for others and writing for herself.

" If I'm writing for another artist, I write with them in mind, I'm telling that person's story and what they've been through. "

" But when I go into the studio for myself, I pull from My Own stories, and it's my vulnerability. "

Nija credits Beyoncé for making her a " a better writer".

" Being around that energy and understanding what she envisions for herself and working with her is always The Best . "

Nija's story is a reminder that A Journey in the Music Industry can be unpredictable.

" I grew up Making Beats since I was 13 years old, " she says.

" And I figured The Way to get my beats Out There , and spread across The World was if I Just Sing on top of them.

" If they hear songs and they'll see who made it and they'll come Back to me. And it worked out in another way. "

Producers were then asking her to sing over their beats.

Nija has a stellar list of artists she's worked with, but she still has dreams of working with many more such as The Weeknd and Rihanna.

" And I really want to work with Justin Bieber , My Childhood self wants to do that for me, " she adds.

As Is The Way with Big Music awards, there is no guarantee Nija will win, but she says just being nominated in the new category is a Big Deal .

" I'm just blessed to be recognised for my work, " she says. " It signifies change and progress in industry. "

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Source of news: bbc.com